Cabinet Clears ₹4,447 Crore Mokama–Munger Highway Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 4-lane greenfield access-controlled highway between Mokama and Munger, as part of the larger Buxar–Bhagalpur High-Speed Corridor. The project, sanctioned on September 10, 2025, will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), covering a total length of 82.4 km at a cost of ₹4,447.38 crore.

This highway is set to become a key mobility and trade lifeline for Eastern Bihar, ensuring faster connectivity, reduced travel time, and enhanced freight movement.

Strategic Importance of the Corridor

The approved section passes through Mokama, Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur, and Munger, and connects onward to Bhagalpur. This belt is emerging as one of Bihar’s fastest-growing industrial zones, with several strategic projects,

• Ordnance Factory Corridor (Defence Ministry project) in Munger.
• Locomotive Workshop at Jamalpur.
• Food Processing Hubs (e.g., ITC in Munger).
• Bhagalpur Silk & Textile Industry supported by logistics and warehousing.
• Agro-Warehousing & Packaging facilities around Barahiya.

By providing seamless road connectivity, the project is expected to boost industrial productivity, strengthen logistics, and reduce freight costs in the region.

Faster, Safer, and Smarter Travel

The Mokama–Munger section will be a 4-lane access-controlled corridor with,

• Close tolling system for efficient revenue collection.
• Design speed of 100 km/h, average speed of 80 km/h.
• Reduction of travel time to 1.5 hours, offering safe and uninterrupted travel for both freight and passenger vehicles.

This aligns with the government’s vision to create high-speed, world-class corridors under the Bharatmala and Gati Shakti Master Plans.

Employment and Economic Impact

The project will directly and indirectly generate significant job opportunities,

• 14.83 lakh man-days of direct employment
• 18.46 lakh man-days of indirect employment.
• Additional jobs spurred by increased industrial and commercial activity in the corridor’s vicinity.

The corridor is also expected to boost rural development, improve market access for farmers, and strengthen Bihar’s integration into national freight and passenger transport networks.

Static Facts and Takeaways

• Project Length: 82.4 km.
• Outlay: ₹4,447.38 crore.
• Mode: Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
• Connectivity: Mokama, Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur, Munger → Bhagalpur.
• Industrial Belt: Ordnance factories, Jamalpur locomotive workshop, food processing hubs, Bhagalpur silk.