The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the upgradation of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 in Bihar to four-lane standard on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). The project involves a total capital cost of Rs. 3590.73 crore and covers a length of 82.578 km.
This strategic infrastructure project serves as a key feeder corridor connecting the India-Nepal border at Sonbarsa with economic centers like Muzaffarpur at NH-27 (East-West Corridor). The upgrade will significantly reduce congestion in densely populated areas including Muzaffarpur, Muksudpur, Runni Saidpur, Thumma, Dumra, Bhutahi, and Sonbarsa. The project is designed for a speed of 100 kmph with an average speed of 80 kmph, featuring no at-grade median openings to ensure fast and safe travel.
The infrastructure includes seven major bridges (including a 340m long bridge over the perennial Bagmati River), three Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), and two flyovers (1170m and 270m) to maintain cross movement of traffic. Planned in accordance with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan principles, the project enhances multimodal integration by improving connectivity to key economic, social and logistics nodes.
The upgraded corridor will enhance connectivity to five PM Gati-Shakti Economic Nodes (four Industrial Estates and one Mega Food park), four Social Nodes (Baba Garibnath Temple, Mata Janki Temple, Punaura Dham, Muzaffarpur & Sitamarhi aspirational Districts), and two Logistic Nodes (Muzaffarpur & Sitamarhi Railway Stations). It also enhances cross-border passenger and cargo movement via the nearby Land Port at Bhithamore and provides seamless linkage to the national freight grid in synergy with existing corridors such as NH-31 and NH-122.