Shahabad Region Set for Major Infrastructure Upgrade with Patna-Sasaram Highway Project
The Shahabad region, comprising the districts of Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, and Kaimur in Bihar, is poised to receive a significant infrastructure boost with the launch of the Patna-Sasaram four-lane greenfield highway project. This ambitious initiative, slated to begin in June 2024, promises to significantly improve connectivity between Patna, Ara, and Sasaram, reduce travel times, and enhance road safety for commuters. The project is set to transform the transportation landscape in the region and support regional economic growth.
The new highway, once completed, will provide a modern, efficient route that will dramatically shorten travel times between the major cities of Patna, Ara, and Sasaram. By connecting the regions more directly, the project aims to streamline the flow of goods and people, making it easier for residents and businesses to access key locations. Not only will this improve convenience for daily travellers, but it will also foster economic growth by opening up more opportunities for trade and commerce.
The highway will also serve as a catalyst for development in the Shahabad region, which is home to a significant portion of Bihar’s rural population. Improved infrastructure will create opportunities for local businesses, stimulate employment, and make the region more attractive to investors. The Patna-Sasaram road project is a large-scale venture that will be developed in two phases, as detailed by NHAI Regional Officer, Yogesh Bahadur Singh. The first phase, known as Package I, involves a 74-kilometre stretch from Saura village in Rohtas to Asni village in Bhojpur. Package II, the second phase, will cover a 46-kilometre section from Sadisopur, near Patna’s Ring Road, to Asni, located on National Highway 119A.
The project is set to begin construction in June 2024, and it is expected to be completed by 2028. This ambitious timeline reflects the scale of the work involved, including the construction of a modern, access-controlled highway that will accommodate high-speed traffic while ensuring safety and smooth flow. The project has been approved by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in December 2023, and the bidding process is already underway. Once completed, the new Patna-Sasaram highway will be a state-of-the-art, access-controlled road with designated entry and exit points to ensure seamless traffic movement. The highway will be designed for speeds of up to 100 km/h, offering drivers a faster and safer route. Among the most notable features of the project is the construction of a new bridge over the Sone River, located about 10 kilometres from the existing Koelwar bridge. This new bridge will further enhance the connectivity between regions and support smoother traffic flow.
Additionally, a ring road will be constructed around Ara to improve traffic management and prevent congestion in the city. The highway will be maintained by the selected contractor for 15 years after its completion, ensuring its upkeep and longevity. The construction of the Patna-Sasaram highway is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the Shahabad region and beyond. Improved infrastructure will lead to more efficient transportation, reduced travel time, and enhanced connectivity between Bihar and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. This will stimulate the movement of goods and services, thus supporting regional businesses and boosting trade. Moreover, the project will create numerous employment opportunities during its construction and throughout its operational phase. Local workers will be employed for various tasks, ranging from road construction to maintenance, contributing to the region’s economic development.
For residents of the Shahabad region, the Patna-Sasaram highway project brings much-needed hope for a more prosperous and connected future. Long-standing issues related to slow travel times, frequent traffic congestion, and limited access to key urban centres will be addressed, making daily life easier for commuters. The project also promises to improve the overall quality of life for local residents, especially in terms of accessibility to essential services, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, the creation of jobs during construction and the subsequent economic growth will provide a significant boost to the livelihoods of people in the region. The Patna-Sasaram four-lane highway project is an exciting development that will transform the transportation network in the Shahabad region. With its expected completion by 2028, the project will not only enhance connectivity and reduce travel time but also drive regional economic growth, improve road safety, and offer substantial employment opportunities. For the people of Shahabad, this project signals a future of improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and a more prosperous life.
