NHAI to develop 20km-long 'global model' road in Patna

PATNA: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will develop a 20km-long road connecting to Patna-Bakhtiyarpur NH-30 from Sheikhpura Mor, as a global model road by March next year.
The features of the model road include five vehicular underpasses, seven foot overbridges, smart lighting, parking and cycle tracks among others.
NHAI's regional director colonel (retired) Chandan Vatsa told TOI on Wednesday that the bidding process and other groundwork for the model road will be completed soon.He said the detailed project report (DPR) for the ambitious project has been prepared and the works will be executed utilizing funds to the tune of Rs 200 crore.
"The work was initially slated to start earlier this year, but got delayed due to the lockdown owing to Covid-19 pandemic. We intend to commence the work post-monsoon and complete it by March next year," Col Vatsa said.
The route of global model road will be Shikhpura Mor-Patna airport exit crossing, Chitkohra roundabout-Aneesabad crossing- Saristabad-Gurdwara Mor-Didarganj.
"We have also hired landscape expert, architect and town planner for using their expertise for this project. The idea is to develop this road as a model for vehicular movement as well as for engineering students and practising engineers," he said.
DPR of 6-lane bridge over Ganga OK'd
The model road apart, Col Vatsa said the NHAI headquarters has recently approved a proposal for preparation of DPR for construction of a six-lane bridge over river Ganga connecting Begusarai and Munger districts.
Deliberating on a few more projects under bidding stages at present, Col Vatsa said: "The bidding process is underway for Purnia-Narainpur (50km) four-lane road, Bakhtiyarpur-Rajauli (101km) four-lane and Ara-Mohania (105km) four-lane roads."
Sharing details of projects, which were recently approved by NHAI, Col Vatsa said: "Siwan-Masrakh four-lane (51.85km), Adalwari-Manikpur four-lane (40km), Manikpur-Sahibganj (42.80km) and Munger-Mirzachauki package (3 phases) among others have got approval from the NHAI headquarters."
Col Vatsa also said the Patna regional office of NHAI will be observing June 21 as condolence day to honour the Army personnel who have been martyred in the clash on India-China border in Ladakh. "We will assemble at Kargil Chowk to pay tributes to the brave martyred Army personnel," he said.