Bihar is set to launch three major road projects along the Ganga river with an estimated investment of Rs 17000 crore to spur economic growth and tourism state Road Minister Nitin Nabin announced. The projects to be developed under the hybrid annuity model (HAM) include the 35.65 km Digha–Sherpur–Bihta–Koilwar stretch the 42 km Munger (Safiabad)–Bariyarpur–Ghorghat–Sultanganj corridor and the 41.33 km Sultanganj–Bhagalpur–Sabour section. Under HAM the government covers around 40% of the project cost while the private developer contributes the remaining 60% operates the road during the concession period and receives annuity payments from the government. Bihar To Develop 3 Road Projects Near Ganga River The Sultanganj-Bhagalpur Gangapath project will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 4849.83 crore and the Munger-Sultanganj Gangapath at Rs 5119.80 crore. The Digha-Sherpur-Bihta-Koilwar project will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 6495.79 crore. These roads would not only provide connectivity but also attract tourists for their scenic beauty as they would be running parallel to the river Ganga the minister said. The tender process for all 3 roads has already been completed and letters of acceptance have been issued he said adding that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is scheduled to do the breaking for one of the projects on October 4. Bihar Assembly Elections It is to be noted that the Bihar Assembly elections are round the corner and all big projects have been lined up for inauguration before the poll dates are announced. The Election Commission team led by CEC Gyanesh Kumar is scheduled to visit Patna on October 4 and 5 to take stock of poll preparedness in Bihar. It is expected that the poll dates will be announced soon after the teams visit as the term of the 243-member legislative assembly ends on November 22. Sharing more details on these projects Nabin said for the first time the state government has awarded a contract on the HAM model and once completed the nearly 84 km long Munger-Bhagalpur Sabour project will become a major lifeline of Bihar connecting all major cities like Munger Sultanganj and Bhagalpur. The Bihar government under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and the able guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has succeeded in laying a very large network of quality roads in the state. These road projects along the Ganga River are another example of the NDA governments commitment towards infrastructure development he said. It will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities.  (With Inputs From PTI)