The Centre has approved a ₹3,590.73-crore project to upgrade the 82.57-km Muzaffarpur–Sitamarhi–Sonbarsa section of National Highway-22 (NH-22) in Bihar to four lanes, aiming to improve regional connectivity, facilitate cross-border trade and strengthen links between agricultural and industrial centres.
Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in August 2026, the project will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). The upgraded highway will connect Muzaffarpur, a major economic centre in North Bihar, with Sonbarsa on the India-Nepal border, providing improved access to border trade infrastructure and wider transport networks.
The corridor is expected to support passenger and freight movement, reduce congestion along densely populated stretches and improve the transportation of agricultural produce to markets and processing centres.
Improved Access to Nepal Border
NH-22 connects Muzaffarpur with Sonbarsa, where the highway network links with cross-border transport infrastructure. At Muzaffarpur, it intersects NH-27, part of the East-West Corridor, connecting the project with a wider national highway network.
The four-laning is expected to improve access to the nearby Bhithamore Land Port, supporting the movement of passengers and cargo between India and Nepal. Better connectivity between economic centres and border areas could also improve the efficiency of regional trade and logistics operations.
The project will address existing traffic constraints along the route, which passes through Muzaffarpur, Muksudpur, Runni Saidpur, Thumma, Dumra, Bhutahi and Sonbarsa. The increased road capacity is expected to improve traffic flow and make journeys more predictable for commuters and commercial vehicles.
Seven Major Bridges, Three Railway Overbridges
The upgraded highway has been designed for a speed of 100 kmph, with an average operating speed of 80 kmph. The plan also provides for no at-grade median openings to support smoother traffic movement.
The project includes seven major bridges, among them a 340-metre bridge over the perennial Bagmati River. It will also feature three railway overbridges and two flyovers to improve traffic continuity at key crossing points and reduce conflicts between road and railway movement.
These structures are expected to improve travel conditions along the corridor while supporting the movement of freight vehicles through populated areas.
Connectivity to Industrial and Agricultural Hubs
Planned under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, the project aims to connect industrial centres, agricultural production areas and logistics infrastructure through an integrated transport network.
The corridor will connect five economic nodes, including four industrial estates and a Mega Food Park. Improved road access is expected to support manufacturing, food processing and agro-based industries by facilitating the movement of raw materials and finished goods.
Better connectivity to Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi railway stations will strengthen multimodal freight movement, allowing businesses to use road and rail networks more efficiently. Links with NH-31 and NH-122 will further integrate the highway with Bihar’s wider transport infrastructure.
The improved network will also strengthen connectivity towards Barauni’s industrial hub and river-based logistics facilities along the Ganga, potentially creating opportunities for inland waterway trade and more efficient supply chains.
Boost to Farm-to-Market Movement
Agriculture remains an important part of North Bihar’s economy, making reliable transport links crucial for farmers and food-processing businesses. Improved road capacity is expected to reduce travel time, fuel consumption and transportation costs, helping agricultural produce reach markets and processing centres more efficiently.
The upgraded corridor will also improve access to religious, cultural and social destinations, including Baba Garibnath Temple, Mata Janki Temple, Punaura Dham and the Buddhist Circuit.
Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi, both identified as aspirational districts, are also expected to benefit from improved regional mobility.
With increased highway capacity and stronger links to railways, industrial estates and border infrastructure, the NH-22 project is expected to strengthen North Bihar’s transport network and support trade, agricultural supply chains and economic activity across the region.
