Cabinet Approves Upgradation of ₹3,591 Crore Four-Laning of Bihar's NH-22 Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved the upgradation of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar to a four-lane highway. Spanning 82.578 km, the project comes with a total capital cost of ₹3,590.73 crore and will be developed on the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).

Upgradation of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa Section of Bihar’s NH-22

1. Connects the India-Nepal border at Sonbarsa with the economic hub of Muzaffarpur, which lies on NH-27, the East-West Corridor
2. Passes through and eases congestion in densely populated areas including Muzaffarpur, Muksudpur, Runni Saidpur, Thumma, Dumra, Bhutahi, and Sonbarsa
3. Designed for a speed of 100 kmph, with an average travel speed of 80 kmph
4. Has no at-grade median openings, allowing for smoother, uninterrupted travel
5. Acts as a key feeder corridor linking Bihar to cross-border trade routes with Nepal

PM GatiShakti National Master Plan

This project has been planned in line with the PM GatiShakti framework, which focuses on improving multimodal connectivity across the country. The upgraded highway will enhance links to five PM Gati-Shakti Economic Nodes, including four Industrial Estates and a Mega Food Park, along with four Social Nodes such as the Baba Garibnath Temple and Punaura Dham, and two Logistics Nodes at the Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi railway stations.

Bihar's NH-22 Project Benefits

1. Strengthens freight connectivity by linking with existing corridors like NH-31 and NH-122
2. Improves access to industrial zones such as Barauni and riverine logistics hubs along the Ganga
3. Supports cross-border trade through the nearby Bhithamore Land Port
4. Improves access to religious and cultural sites, including the Buddhist Circuit and Janaki Punaura Dham Temple, Sitamarhi
5. Includes construction of seven major bridges, including a 340-metre bridge over the Bagmati River
6. Adds three railway over-bridges and two flyovers to ensure smoother traffic movement
7. Expected to improve travel speed, road safety, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle operating costs.
8. Supports regional economic growth by improving movement of goods and agricultural supply chains

About Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)

HAM is a public-private funding model commonly used for highway construction in India, where the government and private developer share the project cost, with payments made in instalments over the project's life rather than a single upfront amount. This model helps balance financial risk between the government and private players while ensuring steady project execution.