New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved major infrastructure projects in Bihar and adjoining states, including the construction of the Mokama-Munger section of the Buxar-Bhagalpur High-Speed Corridor and the doubling of the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat rail line.
The 82.4 km Mokama-Munger stretch will be developed as a four-lane, access-controlled greenfield corridor under the Hybrid Annuity Mode at a cost of ₹4,447.38 crore. Designed for speeds of up to 100 km/h, the road will reduce travel time between Mokama and Munger to nearly 1.5 hours, offering faster and safer connectivity for both freight and passenger traffic.
The corridor will link key cities including Mokama, Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur, and Munger, while improving access to Bhagalpur. Officials noted that the region is emerging as an industrial hub, with sectors such as defense manufacturing, locomotive engineering, food processing, textiles, and logistics driving growth. Bhagalpur’s renowned silk industry, Munger’s food-processing units, and Jamalpur’s locomotive workshop are expected to benefit from the enhanced connectivity.
The project is estimated to generate 14.83 lakh man-days of direct employment and 18.46 lakh man-days of indirect employment, while also creating new opportunities through the economic activity spurred by the corridor.
Separately, the Cabinet approved the doubling of the 177 km Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat rail line, spanning Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, at an approximate cost of ₹3,169 crore. The move aims to ease congestion, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen connectivity across one of Indian Railways’ busiest sections.
Officials said the projects align with the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India, boosting infrastructure, generating employment, and enhancing opportunities for local communities.
