• Source:JND

NH139W Greenfield Project: The Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah (NH-139W) road project, which will revitalise North Bihar's connectivity, will be developed as a four-lane greenfield highway at a cost of Rs 3,822 crore. The project has been approved on a hybrid annuity (HAM) mode.

The Road Construction Department stated in an X-post that this section is a crucial part of the proposed high-speed corridor between Patna and Bettiah. Starting from Sahebganj (Muzaffarpur), the route will go through Areraj (East Champaran) and reach Bettiah (West Champaran).

All-New Greenfield Route

This project falls under the "greenfield" category, meaning it will be built along a completely new route rather than widening an existing road. The road, which will pass through fields and vacant land, will be straight, wide, and feature a modern design.

The Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah section will cost approximately Rs 3,822 crore. The entire Patna-Bettiah corridor is estimated to cost over Rs 6,000 crore. This package also includes the construction of a major bridge over the Gandak River near Areraj, which is why the budget has been kept high.

Big Savings In Time And Distance

Currently, the journey from Patna to Bettiah takes 6 to 7 hours. With the construction of the new four-lane highway, this time will be reduced to approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

This route will bypass congested areas of the city, alleviating traffic jams. The construction of a new bridge over the Gandak River between Areraj and Sahebganj will further facilitate transportation.

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Economic And Tourism Promotion

Industries, cold storage, and commercial centers are expected to develop along the road, boosting the regional economy. The route will also serve as a major connecting road for tourists traveling to the Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve and the Nepal border.

THESE Districts T Benefit

This project will directly benefit lakhs of people of Muzaffarpur (Sahebganj area), East Champaran (Areraj, Kesaria, Chakia) and West Champaran (Bettiah, Lauriya and surrounding areas).

What Is Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)

Under the hybrid annuity model, the government and a private company jointly complete the project. The government contributes 40 per cent of the funds during construction, while the company contributes 60 per cent.

The government makes fixed annual payments (annuities) to the company for 15 to 20 years after the road is built. In this model, the government is responsible for toll collection. This is considered a low-risk model, resulting in better construction quality.

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Benefits Of Greenfield Highways

Greenfield highways are straighter and have fewer curves, reducing distances and travel times. They incorporate service lanes, underpasses, and modern designs that meet safety standards.

Due to construction outside residential areas, displacement is reduced and in future there is a possibility of vehicles running at speeds of 100 to 120 km per hour.

After completion of the project, there will be a historic change in the road connectivity of North Bihar.


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