Samastipur, Bihar:
In a significant boost to infrastructure development in Bihar, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has sanctioned two critical infrastructure projects in Samastipur district, with a total investment of ₹58.6 crore. These projects aim to ease traffic congestion, replace ageing structures, and improve regional connectivity—especially between Samastipur and Darbhanga.

🚧 Key Projects Approved

1. Widening of National Highway-322 (Mathurapur to Mukhtapur ROB)

• Scope of Work: Four-laning of a 2.056 km stretch on NH-322.
• Location: Between Mathurapur and Mukhtapur Road Over Bridge (ROB).
• Objective: The stretch, currently a bottleneck due to increasing traffic volumes, will be widened to facilitate smoother vehicular movement.
• Impact: Once completed, it will improve connectivity between two major towns—Samastipur and Darbhanga—while reducing travel time and enhancing road safety.
• Estimated Cost: ₹40.5 crore (approx).

2. Construction of New RCC Bridge over Budhi Gandak River at Magardih Ghat

• Type: High-Level Reinforced Cement Concrete (HLRCC) bridge.
• Length: 200 meters.
• Purpose: To replace the existing screw pile bridge, which has weakened and is unsafe for heavy traffic.
• Location: Magardih Ghat, a key crossing point over the Budhi Gandak river.
• Estimated Cost: ₹18.1 crore (approx).
• Expected Benefits: This bridge will ensure all-weather connectivity and provide a safer, more reliable crossing for residents and freight vehicles.

🏗️ Implementation & Timelines

The Bihar State Road Construction Corporation Limited (BSRDCL) has floated tenders and will be executing the projects.

• Timeline for Completion: 24 months from the date of work order issuance.
• Monitoring: The progress will be regularly reviewed by the state and central government authorities to ensure timely execution.

📣 Government's Commitment

Road Construction Minister Nitin Nabin, while thanking the Centre for its support, stated:

"These projects are a step toward a modern, better-connected Bihar. We are grateful to the Union government for approving crucial infrastructure that will transform mobility in Samastipur and adjoining areas."

The announcement follows Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's ‘Pragati Yatra’ visit to Samastipur in January 2025, where he had promised rapid development of the region’s infrastructure. These approvals are seen as a direct fulfilment of that promise.

🛣️ Strategic Importance of the Region

• Economic Boost: The enhanced connectivity will aid in transportation of agricultural produce, given Samastipur’s agrarian economy.
• Reduced Congestion: Urban and semi-urban areas in the district will see a significant drop in traffic snarls.
• Inter-district Connectivity: Smooth transit between Samastipur and Darbhanga, two key districts in northern Bihar.

✅ Conclusion

The central government's approval of these infrastructure projects marks a crucial development milestone for Samastipur. With improved roadways and modern bridges, the district is poised for enhanced economic activity, better mobility, and safer transport—ushering in a new era of connectivity for North Bihar.