- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Wed, 16 Jul 2025 08:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major development, the Bihar Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on Tuesday approved the construction of Ganga Path in Bhagalpur and Munger, mirroring the capital city Patna’s model. The 82.80 km-long stretch will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 9,969.63 crore, significantly enhancing connectivity and tourism potential along the Ganga riverbanks.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, the project will be implemented in two phases:
-Phase 1: A 42 km stretch from Munger (Safiabad) to Sultanganj via Bariyarpur and Ghorghat will be built under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) for Rs 5,119.80 crore.
-Phase 2: A 40.80 km stretch from Sultanganj to Sabour via Bhagalpur will also follow the HAM model and cost around Rs 4,849.83 crore.
Officials said the Ganga Path will not only streamline traffic but also provide scenic routes and boost tourism and local employment opportunities.
The Cabinet also approved the draft of the Bihar Pump Storage Project Promotion Policy-2025, aimed at boosting energy storage infrastructure for renewable energy sources. The policy could attract investments worth Rs 1 lakh crore, marking a key shift toward sustainable energy.
The long-delayed Bakhtiyarpur-Tajpur four-lane bridge has received a third cost revision, now pegged at Rs 3,923 crore. The bridge, under construction for a decade, has seen recurring delays and cost escalations.
The Cabinet approved the dismissal of four doctors who were absent from service for extended periods:
-Dr Chandana Kumari (Begusarai)
-Dr Kritika Singh (Lakhisarai)
-Dr Nimisha Rani (Jamui)
-Dr Kriti Kiran (Lakhisarai)
Other Key Approvals:
-Rs 170 crore sanctioned under the Saat Nischay scheme for procurement of lab equipment, computers, and machines for 46 government polytechnic institutes and 38 engineering colleges.
-Rs 7,832.29 crore approved for the expansion and modernisation of the Western Kosi Canal Project.
-Approval of Bihar Sugarcane Service Rules 2025 under the Sugarcane Industry Department.
-Rs 44.85 crore allocated for constructing a Rail Overbridge (ROB) between Raipura and Purnia railway station.
-Approval to constitute a Guarantee Redemption Fund (GRF) to repay loans in case of defaults by public sector undertakings or cooperative institutions backed by state guarantees.
-Approval for the free transfer of 4 acres of land for the construction of a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Vaishali district.
These decisions mark a significant stride in the state’s ongoing focus on infrastructure development, employment generation, and educational upliftment.
