Patna-Gaya-Dobhi Highway Nears Completion, Nitish Kumar Urges Faster Progress
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has conducted an inspection of the ongoing construction of the Patna-Gaya-Dobhi four-lane highway, urging officials to expedite the project’s completion. Once finished, this highway will allow commuters to travel between Patna and Gaya in just two hours, significantly reducing travel time.
During his visit, the Chief Minister stopped near the Basuhar bridge in Punpun to assess the progress of various infrastructure projects. He was accompanied by key officials, including Minister-in-Charge Ashok Chaudhary and Principal Secretary of Road Construction Pratyaya Amrit. Ghulam Qadir, Project Director of the National Highways Authority of India NHAI, reported that the Chief Minister has instructed to open one lane of the railway overbridge by September 30, with the entire project expected to be operational by December.
Nearing completion after Facing Delays and Escalating Costs
The highway project, initiated in 2010, has faced significant delays but is now nearing completion. Stretching 39 km in Patna district, 44 km in Jehanabad district, and 44.22 km in Gaya district, it connects to the Grand Trunk GT Road near Dobhi. Originally estimated to cost over Rs 1,600 crore, the project’s costs have escalated to over Rs 5,000 crore due to various challenges, including construction agency withdrawals and land acquisition issues.
With over 90% of the work now complete, the highway is anticipated to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly by linking to the Patna bypass. It will also facilitate easier access for pilgrims traveling to Gaya, enhancing regional connectivity and development. The construction has gained momentum following the Patna High Court’s involvement in monitoring progress.
Enhancing Connectivity and Supporting Regional Development
The completion of the Patna-Gaya-Dobhi four-lane highway holds great promise for Bihar. The reduction in travel time between Patna and Gaya to just two hours will provide a significant boost to the ease of commuting for the inhabitants of both cities. Additionally, the improved connectivity is set to bolster regional development and economic growth.
By linking to the Patna bypass, the highway will contribute to the seamless movement of vehicles, effectively minimizing traffic congestion and improving overall transportation infrastructure. Many long-awaited infrastructure projects in the region, such as the Bashu Lake City, are set to benefit from this accelerated travel time, leading to increased investment opportunities.
This vital transportation corridor will also promote tourism and pilgrimage, particularly for the thousands of devotees traveling to Gaya who seek spiritual enlightenment by performing sacred ceremonies and rituals. The ease of travel will enhance the overall experience for these pilgrims and contribute to the growth of religious tourism in the area.
Conclusion
The progress made in the construction of the Patna-Gaya-Dobhi four-lane highway is an encouraging development for the people of Bihar. The reduction in travel time, the improved connectivity, and the potential for increased regional development all promise a brighter future for the state. With the completion of the project expected in the coming months, Bihar is set to experience a significant positive impact from this crucial infrastructure development.
