The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, 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. The project will be developed on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of ₹3,590.73 crore and will cover a total length of 82.578 km.
This project holds significant strategic and economic importance as it integrates with Bihar's expanding National Highway network and 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 infrastructure has been 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 project includes seven major bridges (including a 340-meter long bridge over the perennial Bagmati River), three Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), and two flyovers (1,170m and 270m) to maintain cross movement of traffic.
Planned in accordance with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan principles, the project enhances multimodal integration by improving connectivity to key economic, social, and logistics nodes. This includes 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).
The upgraded corridor will facilitate efficient movement of goods and agricultural supply chains, support regional economic growth, and provide better access to important cultural and religious destinations such as the Buddhist Circuit and historic Janaki Punaura Dham Temple in Sitamarhi. It also enhances cross-border passenger and cargo movement via the nearby Land Port at Bhithamore and synergizes with existing corridors such as NH-31 and NH-122, enhancing connectivity to industrial zones like Barauni and riverine logistics hubs along the Ganga.
The project is expected to increase average travel speeds, reduce travel time, improve overall road safety, enhance fuel efficiency, reduce vehicle operating costs, and contribute to regional mobility and socio-economic development.