Nepal-India border road expanded: Border villages to be directly connected

Kathmandu. The Government of India has given in-principle approval to two major four-lane road projects with the aim of extending direct access to Nepal and West Bengal. With the Central Government taking forward the construction of Muzaffarpur-Sonbarsa and Khagaria-Purnia four-lane roads, the villages along the Nepal-India border will be directly connected to the modern road.

These two roads, with a total length of 226 km, will be constructed in the public-private partnership (PPP) model. These projects, which are currently in the tender process, are expected to accelerate the economic and social development of the Seemanchal and Mithila region.

Muzaffarpur-Sonbarsa corridor: Nepal border to be

reached in 90 minutes

The 83-km-long Muzaffarpur-Sonbarsa four-lane road is going to be constructed to provide quick access to the Nepalese border. After the construction of this road, which is estimated to cost Rs 3,591 crore, it will be possible to reach Sitamarhi from Muzaffarpur in 40 minutes and the Nepal border (Sonbarsa) in only 90 minutes.

Under this corridor, a 340-meter-long bridge, five minor bridges and three railway overbridges will be constructed. This will make it easier for the people living in the border areas to travel to the main markets of Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi and transport local products.

Khagadiya-Purnia section: Transportation to Nepal and Bengal to be eased

After the construction of the 144-km Khagaria-Purnia four-lane at a cost of Rs 3,936 crore, the current journey of about six hours will be reduced to one and a half to two hours. This will directly benefit the residents of Khagadia, Bhagalpur, Katihar and Purnia areas.

A 6.7-km-long greenfield bypass and logistics hub will be constructed in Purnia, which will reduce the traffic congestion in the city and speed up the transportation of goods going to Nepal and West Bengal. Also, local agricultural products like maize, jute will get easy market.

Religious tourism and connection with Ram-Janaki Marg

This new road network will also be connected to the historic Ram-Janaki Marg. It is believed that this will make the journey from Ayodhya to Janakpurdham easier and help in the promotion of religious tourism in the entire region.

This move of the Indian government has been welcomed by ‘Media for Border Harmony’, an organization working in the border area. Amrendra Tiwari, President of the Organization for India, said that this organization will play an important role in strengthening India-Nepal relations. Journalist Anil Tiwari is leading this organization from Nepal.