Author: Bihar Say | Amrita | Bihar is set to witness significant infrastructural development with the announcement of a ₹5500 crore investment for converting the Patna-Hariharganj via Aurangabad
Bihar is set to witness significant infrastructural development with the announcement of a ₹5500 crore investment for converting the Patna-Hariharganj via Aurangabad NH 139 into a four-lane highway. This much-awaited project will not only improve travel times but will also provide immense benefits in terms of road safety, economic growth, and connectivity across several districts in Bihar. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, during an event in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. This new project is a crucial step forward in modernizing the state’s transport network.
The four-laning of NH 139 has been a long-standing demand, particularly from the people of Aurangabad, Arwal, and Patna. This road has long been a lifeline for thousands of commuters traveling between Patna, the capital of Bihar, and other important regions such as Aurangabad, Gaya, and parts of Jharkhand. For years, locals have faced a range of issues, including heavy traffic congestion, accidents, and delays due to the narrow two-lane road. Former Member of Parliament (MP) from Aurangabad, Sushil Kumar Singh, has been an ardent advocate for the four-laning of this stretch, raising the issue in Parliament and meeting several central ministers to push for approval.
Finally, the central government has taken a significant step to address these concerns by approving the four-laning of the NH 139, which spans approximately 155 kilometers from Patna to Hariharganj in Jharkhand. The project will help ease the traffic burden and reduce travel times, benefiting commuters and traders alike.
The four-laning of NH 139 will greatly improve the connectivity between Patna and key cities like Aurangabad, Arwal, and Hariharganj. This road is an essential part of Bihar’s transportation infrastructure, connecting the state capital to neighboring areas in Jharkhand. With the new road upgrade, it will be much easier for people to travel between Patna and other districts such as Arwal, Daund Nagar, Obra, and Aurangabad, which are major commercial hubs. For travelers, the upgrade will reduce travel time significantly, ensuring smoother and quicker journeys.
Additionally, the four-lane road will be a boon for local businesses. It will allow goods to move more efficiently across districts, promoting economic activities and trade. The area surrounding the highway will likely see growth in businesses such as retail, logistics, and hospitality, as better infrastructure is one of the key drivers of economic development.
One of the most significant advantages of this four-lane road will be improved road safety. The current NH 139 has been notorious for frequent accidents due to its narrow lanes and heavy traffic. Local reports indicate that road accidents have been a serious concern, with many lives lost in tragic crashes. This has led to regular disruptions and an overall sense of insecurity among drivers and passengers.
With the construction of the four-lane road, these safety issues should decrease substantially. The new road design will have better traffic management, clear lanes, and a smoother flow of vehicles, which will reduce the chances of accidents. This upgrade will also help prevent long traffic jams, which have been a major source of frustration for commuters. With better road infrastructure, people can expect safer travel, especially during peak hours when the road is most congested.
Apart from the obvious improvements in transportation and road safety, the construction of the four-lane highway will create new employment opportunities for the people of Bihar. As the construction work progresses, there will be a demand for laborers, engineers, and other professionals involved in building the road. This will provide a boost to the local economy by generating temporary and permanent jobs.
Furthermore, once the road is completed, the ease of transportation will make the area more attractive for investment. This could lead to the creation of new businesses, which in turn will generate more employment opportunities for the local population. The project is expected to boost local industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services, further accelerating the economic growth of the region.
The announcement of the four-laning of NH 139 has been met with widespread joy and support from the people of Bihar. Sushil Kumar Singh, the former MP who tirelessly campaigned for this project, expressed his gratitude towards Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for making this development a reality. Singh emphasized how this new highway would significantly ease the daily commute for people traveling from districts like Palamu, Garhwa, Aurangabad, and Arwal to Patna and other urban centers.
Local politicians, including Ashok Kumar Singh, the former MLA and current district president of the Janata Dal United (JD(U)) party in Aurangabad, have also welcomed the decision. Singh noted that the four-lane road would benefit not only Aurangabad but also several surrounding districts. He added that it would enhance the quality of life for local residents and facilitate smoother and safer travel.
While the four-lane project is undoubtedly a major milestone for Bihar’s infrastructure, there are still several challenges ahead. The construction process itself will take time and might cause some disruption in the short term. Road closures, detours, and traffic diversions are expected during the construction phase. However, these inconveniences are likely to be temporary, with the long-term benefits far outweighing the short-term challenges.
Moreover, once the road is completed, ongoing maintenance will be necessary to ensure that the infrastructure remains in good condition. Regular monitoring and timely repairs will be essential to keep the road safe and functional for decades to come.
In the future, the success of this project could serve as a model for similar infrastructural developments across Bihar and other states in India. The four-lane NH 139 could potentially pave the way for further road expansions and improvements, contributing to the overall growth of the region.
The four-laning of the Patna-Hariharganj via Aurangabad NH 139 is a game-changer for the people of Bihar. With an investment of ₹5500 crores, this project promises to enhance connectivity, improve road safety, boost economic growth, and create new employment opportunities. Bihar, long in need of modernized infrastructure, is finally on the path to becoming more connected and prosperous. As work on this highway progresses, the people of Bihar can look forward to a future of smoother, safer, and more efficient travel.
The successful completion of this four-lane road will be a testament to the power of long-term planning, political will, and collaborative effort between the central government and local stakeholders. It represents a significant leap forward in improving the quality of life for millions of people in Bihar and will stand as a symbol of progress in the state’s road infrastructure development.
