Bihar government: The government of Bihar has taken a landmark step toward accelerating regional connectivity by announcing the construction of five new expressways through its own institutional framework. This initiative marks the first time the state will independently plan, finance, and execute expressway projects without relying entirely on central agencies. The projects are being conceptualized under the Saat Nishchay-3 development agenda, which focuses on long-term economic growth, infrastructure modernization, and improved mobility across urban and rural regions.
This decision reflects a strategic shift in Bihar’s infrastructure policy. By developing expressways at the state level, the government aims to address connectivity gaps that are not covered by national highway or centrally sponsored expressway projects. These new corridors are expected to reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency, and support industrial expansion in emerging economic zones. The expressways will also enhance access to education, healthcare, and markets, especially in underdeveloped districts.
To manage the complexity of these large-scale projects, the state is actively considering the creation of a dedicated Expressway Authority. This proposed body would function on the lines of the system currently operating in Uttar Pradesh, where a specialized authority oversees planning, financing, and execution of expressway projects. An initial-level meeting has already taken place within the Road Construction Department, indicating that administrative groundwork is underway and a formal decision is likely in the near future.
Officials involved in the planning process have pointed to earlier successful institutional arrangements in Bihar as a reference point. In the past, a separate corporation was created to manage state highway projects funded through international development loans. That organization handled responsibilities ranging from project appraisal to contractor selection and execution. The proposed Expressway Authority is expected to follow a similar structure, particularly in managing funds from financial institutions and ensuring timely project delivery.
At present, the Road Construction Department is engaged in identifying suitable routes and determining the length of each of the five proposed expressways. The planning strategy is carefully aligned with existing and upcoming national expressway projects. Since the central government is already developing several major expressways that pass through Bihar, the state authorities are focusing on corridors that remain underserved. Once preliminary routes are finalized, a comprehensive proposal will be submitted to senior decision-makers for approval.
From a financial perspective, the state government is evaluating the Hybrid Annuity Model as a viable option for funding these expressways. Under this framework, private construction firms invest a significant portion of the project cost during the construction phase. The remaining investment is supported by the government, and the private partner recovers its expenditure over time through structured payments, toll revenue, or other approved income mechanisms. This model helps reduce the immediate fiscal burden on the state while ensuring private sector efficiency in execution.
Alongside the state’s new plans, four major expressways approved by the central government are progressing through different stages of development. The Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata corridor, connecting Varanasi, Ranchi, and Kolkata, is already under construction and represents a major east–west connectivity project. The Patna–Purnia expressway linking Patna and Purnia has received formal numbering and is moving through preparatory stages.
Similarly, the Raxaul–Haldia expressway, connecting Raxaul with Haldia, and the Gorakhpur–Siliguri expressway between Gorakhpur and Siliguri, have completed alignment planning and are currently in the land acquisition phase.
Once completed, the combined network of state and central expressways is expected to transform Bihar’s transportation landscape. Faster movement of goods, reduced logistics costs, and improved intercity travel will make the state more attractive for investment. Over time, these expressways are likely to play a critical role in regional development, employment generation, and balanced economic growth.
