Approval for Mokama-Munger Highway Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of the 4-lane greenfield access-controlled Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur High-Speed Corridor in Bihar. This project, set to be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), spans a total length of 82.4 kilometers with a projected outlay of ₹4,447.38 crore.

Key Highlights:

• Project Overview:

  • Construction of the Mokama-Munger section, 82.4 km long.
  • Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
  • Total capital cost estimated at ₹4,447.38 crore.

• Geographical and Economic Significance:

  • The corridor enhances connectivity to key regional cities including Mokama, Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur, Munger, and Bhagalpur.
  • Munger–Jamalpur-Bhagalpur is identified as a pivotal industrial area focusing on:
    • Ordnance factories (existing and proposed).
    • A locomotive workshop in Jamalpur.
    • Food processing facilities, notably by ITC in Munger.
    • Logistics and warehousing hubs strategically placed around emerging sectors.

• Regional Development:

  • Bhagalpur is designated as a hub for textiles and logistics, particularly known for Bhagalpuri silk.
  • Barahiya is developing as a prominent site for food packaging, processing, and agro-warehousing activities.
  • The construction is expected to catalyze economic activities in the area, leading to increased freight movement and traffic on the corridor.

• Infrastructure and Efficiency:

  • The corridor is designed to manage high speeds, with average vehicular speeds anticipated at 80 km/h and a design speed of up to 100 km/h.
  • Expected reduction in travel time to approximately 1.5 hours, resulting in safer and more efficient travel for both passenger and freight vehicles.

• Employment Generation:

  • An estimated total of 33.29 lakh man-days of employment generated throughout the project, with 14.83 lakh man-days attributed to direct employment and 18.46 lakh man-days to indirect employment.
  • Anticipated additional employment opportunities resulting from increased economic activity in the region.

The Mokama-Munger access-controlled corridor is not just a transport improvement initiative but also contributes to the larger goal of infrastructure development in Bihar, aimed at facilitating industrial growth and economic upliftment.

Summary of Important Sentences:

• The Cabinet has approved the Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur High-Speed Corridor under Hybrid Annuity Mode with a total length of 82.4 km.
• The total outlay for the project stands at ₹4,447.38 crore.
• Key regional cities connected include Mokama, Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur, and Munger, enhancing their industrial significance.
• The project will enable a significant reduction in travel time to approximately 1.5 hours at average speeds of 80 km/h.
• Employment generation is projected at 33.29 lakh man-days, creating both direct and indirect job opportunities.
• The project aims to drive economic growth, leading to increased freight movement and improved logistics in the region.

This development exemplifies the ongoing efforts of the Indian government to enhance transportation infrastructure while simultaneously boosting economic activities in strategic areas.