Patna Begins Land Acquisition Preparations for Six‑Lane Patna‑Purnia Expressway Project
Preparations for land acquisition have officially commenced across six districts—Vaishali, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhepura, and Purnia—for the ambitious Patna-Purnia Greenfield Expressway project. This critical phase follows necessary clearances, with authorities committed to compensating landowners at prevailing market rates to ensure a streamlined process and mitigate potential disputes. The ₹18,042 crore initiative promises to drastically reduce travel time and enhance regional connectivity, laying a foundation for more sustainable and economically vibrant urban and rural landscapes in Bihar.
The Revenue and Land Reforms Department has directed District Magistrates in all six affected districts to proceed with preliminary notifications for land acquisition. This directive follows a high-level meeting chaired by senior state officials, emphasising a proactive approach to project implementation. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirm that revised land valuations, based on prevailing market prices as per Section 26(3) of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, will precede any acquisition, safeguarding the interests of affected communities and promoting equitable development.
This 90-metre-wide greenfield expressway, stretching to Chandbhatti village on Purnia-Kishanganj NH-27, is more than just a road; it is a comprehensive connectivity solution. The project includes the construction of 21 large and 140 small bridges, 11 road over bridges (ROBs), 21 interchanges, and 322 underpasses, designed to ensure seamless traffic flow and minimise environmental disruption. Furthermore, at the state government’s request, dedicated spurs will connect key cities like Samastipur, Saharsa, and Madhepura, integrating these regions into the high-speed corridor and fostering balanced regional growth.
With a designated speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour, the Patna-Purnia expressway is projected to slash travel time between the two cities by more than half, from the current seven hours to a mere three to four hours. This significant reduction in transit time will not only enhance logistics and economic efficiency but also improve daily commuting for countless citizens, contributing to a better quality of life. The expressway will also intersect with the Amas-Darbhanga road in Vaishali and connect with the Patna Ring Road at Dighwara, further integrating regional transport networks.
Beyond road connectivity, the project holds strategic importance for multi-modal transport integration. It will provide crucial access to Bihta Airport via a bridge linking Dighwara and Sherpur, eventually connecting to Darbhanga and Purnia airports. This holistic approach to infrastructure development positions the Patna-Purnia expressway as a cornerstone of Bihar’s future economic landscape, facilitating faster commerce, reducing carbon emissions through efficient travel, and promoting more accessible and equitable urbanisation across the state.
