NH-22 Four-Laning: Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi Project Explained

NH-22 Four-Laning Project in Bihar is sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The project envisages development of a four-lane stretch of NH-22 from Muzaffarpur to Sonbarsa covering 82.578 km at the cost of ₹3,590.73 crore through Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).

What Is the NH-22 Four-Laning Project?

As per the approved project report, a four-laning project of NH-22 involving a stretch of 82.578 km from Muzaffarpur to Sitamarhi and then Sonbarsa will be developed through Hybrid Annuity Mode. Total capital cost of the project is ₹3,590.73 crore.

The developed road will have a design speed of 100 kmph and average speed of 80 kmph with the provision of no at-grade median opening.

Key Infrastructure to Be Developed Under the Project

Some of the key infrastructure that will be developed under this project are,

• 7 major bridges
• 3 Railway Over Bridges (ROBs)
• Two flyovers with the length of 1,170 metres and 270 metres
• A major bridge of 340 metres over the perennial Bagmati River.

Why is the Project Significant?

The corridor will boost connectivity between Muzaffarpur and the border of India and Nepal at Sonbarsa. Additionally, the project will facilitate freight transport to other economic hubs.

The project falls within the scope of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and will enhance connectivity with industries, rail stations, agriculture logistics and the Bhithamore land port.

The project will also boost access to five GatiShakti economic nodes, four social nodes and two logistics nodes including the rail stations of Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi.

Economic & Regional Impacts

NH-22 once improved is likely to reduce travel time, congestion, fuel use and operational costs. Better connectivity may also help to increase efficiency in the transportation of goods such as agricultural produce.

The corridor will boost access to Punaura Dham, Mata Janki Temple and Baba Garibnath Temple, while enhancing connections with the rest of the highway network in Bihar.