- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a significant move to accelerate infrastructure development, the Bihar government will now construct major expressways, roads, and bridges under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) — a model that combines government support with private investment. The announcement was made by Road Construction Minister Nitin Naveen during a press conference on Tuesday.
The government has approved the construction of a long-distance Ganga Path expressway along the river Ganga, modelled after the existing Ganga Path in Patna. This ambitious project will run from Safiabad in Munger to Sabour in Bhagalpur, passing through Bariyarpur, Ghorghat, and Sultanganj.
Section 1: Safiabad to Sultanganj via Bariyarpur and Ghorghat
-Length: 42 km
-Cost: Rs 5,120 crore
-Includes: Upgradation of 16 ghats
Section 2: Sultanganj to Sabour via Bhagalpur
-Length: 40.8 km, with 14.76 km of elevated road
-Cost: Rs 4,850 crore
The total estimated cost for both sections is Rs 9,960 crore.
In addition, the expansion of the Ganga Path from Digha to Koilwar in Patna will also be carried out under the HAM model, with both at-grade and elevated roads to be constructed along the riverbanks.
Minister Nitin Naveen said that the adoption of the HAM model will ensure the construction of roads as per international standards, while reducing the financial burden on the state government.
Under this model:
-The contractor will bear initial construction costs.
-The state government will reimburse 60 per cent of the project cost along with interest over 15 years.
-The construction duration is 4 years, followed by 15 years of maintenance by the contractor.
-Separate funds will be allocated for operation and maintenance.
The minister emphasised that using the HAM model will enable faster, high-quality road development while ensuring long-term upkeep without immediate strain on the state’s finances.