Patna Ring Road Northern Section Alignment Approved to Boost Airport and Industrial Growth
The state government of Bihar has officially approved the alignment for the northern section of the Patna Ring Road, stretching from Dighwara to Sarai. This strategic decision is primarily aimed at enhancing connectivity to the proposed greenfield airport at Sonepur while simultaneously supporting planned industrial development in the Vaishali and Saran districts.
High-Level Review Meeting Drives Decision
The approval was a key outcome of a high-level review meeting on national highways and projects of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Bihar. The meeting was held in Patna on Thursday under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra. State Road Construction Department Secretary, Pankaj Kumar Pal, along with other senior officials, were present to discuss the progress and future plans.
During the meeting, the focus was particularly on the Patna Ring Road project, with detailed discussions on land acquisition, construction timelines, and traffic management strategies. Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal informed Minister Malhotra that the revised alignment would significantly improve access for passengers traveling to and from the proposed Sonepur airport. Additionally, it is expected to open up substantial land parcels for industrial growth in the adjoining regions, fostering economic development.
Immediate Actions and Broader Connectivity Plans
In response to the discussions, Minister Harsh Malhotra directed NHAI officials to prepare and submit the detailed project report for the northern section at the earliest. This step is crucial so that the Central government can expedite its approval process, ensuring timely implementation of the project.
The meeting also addressed broader road connectivity linked to the proposed Sonepur airport. This included discussions on a proposed service road from State Highway-74 (SH-74) to the Patna-Bettiah route, which is expected to further streamline access and support regional infrastructure development.
Officials emphasized that the Patna Ring Road project is anticipated to strengthen regional connectivity significantly. It will not only support faster development around the airport but also along the wider Patna Ring Road corridor, creating a robust transportation network that benefits both commuters and industries.
This alignment approval marks a pivotal step in Bihar's infrastructure advancement, aligning with broader goals of economic growth and improved accessibility in the state.
