Cabinet Approves NH-139W Development Project

Summary of Cabinet Approval for NH-139W Project in Bihar

• Project Overview: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the construction of the Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah section of NH-139W in Bihar, which spans a total length of 78.942 km and is estimated to cost ₹3,822.31 crore.

• Implementation Mode: The project will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), a funding structure that shares risks between public and private sectors.

• Connectivity and Economic Impact:

  • This four-lane greenfield project aims to enhance connectivity between Patna and Bettiah, significantly improving access to North Bihar districts such as Vaishali, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, West Champaran, and facilitating connections to the Indo-Nepal border.
  • It will support the movement of freight traffic, improve access to key infrastructure, and stimulate regional economic development, particularly in agricultural and industrial areas.

• Tourism Development: The project is linked to enhancing the Buddhist circuit and international tourism, connecting to prominent heritage sites including the Kesariya Buddha Stupa and various temples.

• Traffic Improvement: NH-139W will alleviate congestion currently experienced on existing routes, providing safer travel with a potential average speed of 80 km/h, in contrast to current speeds and conditions.

• Travel Time Reduction: The project is expected to reduce travel time between Sahebganj and Bettiah from 2.5 hours to 1 hour.

• Employment Generation:

  • The construction is expected to generate approximately 14.22 lakh man-days of direct employment and 17.69 lakh man-days of indirect employment.
  • Additional opportunities will arise from increased economic activities along the corridor.

• Infrastructure Linkage: The NH-139W will serve as a vital link to various national highways (NH-31, NH-722, NH-727, NH-27, NH-227A) and enhance access to seven PM Gati Shakti economic nodes, six social nodes, and eight logistic nodes.

Important Points

• Project Length: 78.942 km
• Project Cost: ₹3,822.31 crore
• Speed Capacity: Average speed of 80 km/h, design speed of 100 km/h
• Travel Time Cut: Reduced from 2.5 hours to 1 hour
• Employment: 14.22 lakh direct, 17.69 lakh indirect man-days
• Significant Links: Enhances connectivity to various highways and key economic/social nodes.

This project underscores the government's commitment to infrastructure development, regional connectivity, and economic growth through improved transport systems.