The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹3,590.73 crore project for the four-laning of the 82.578-km Muzaffarpur–Sitamarhi–Sonbarsa section of National Highway-22 (NH-22) in Bihar. The project is expected to improve road connectivity between Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi and Sonbarsa near the India-Nepal border.
Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the highway upgrade will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The project has been planned under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, with a focus on improving connections between major economic, industrial, railway and logistics locations.
The upgraded corridor will pass through several densely populated areas, including Muksudpur, Runni Saidpur, Thumma, Dumra, Bhutahi and Sonbarsa. The four-lane highway is designed for a maximum speed of 100 kmph, with an average operating speed of 80 kmph. It will also have no at-grade median openings to support safer and more efficient movement along the corridor.
A major component of the project is the construction and improvement of bridges and grade-separated structures. The corridor will include seven major bridges, including a 340-metre bridge over the Bagmati River. It will also feature three railway overbridges and two flyovers measuring 1,170 metres and 270 metres respectively.
The project is expected to improve connectivity with existing national highway corridors, including NH-31 and NH-122. It will also provide better links to industrial areas such as Barauni and logistics facilities located along the Ganga.
The highway’s location is also important for cross-border trade and movement. Improved road connectivity to the Bhithamore Land Port is expected to support passenger and cargo movement between India and Nepal. The Sonbarsa section provides a direct connection towards the international border, making the project relevant to regional trade and logistics.
The upgraded NH-22 will connect five PM GatiShakti Economic Nodes, comprising four industrial estates and a mega food park. It will also improve access to major social and logistics nodes, including Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi railway stations.
The project is expected to reduce traffic pressure on existing roads while improving travel connectivity across northern Bihar. Better access to industrial areas, railway stations, food-processing facilities and border trade infrastructure could support movement of goods and passengers across the region.
The investment also forms part of the government’s broader approach to integrating road infrastructure with industrial and logistics planning. By linking economic nodes, transport facilities and the India-Nepal border, the NH-22 upgrade is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and support economic activity across Bihar.
