What’s been approved
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has cleared ₹675 crore for 10 state road projects in eight Bihar districts under the CRIF window. State road construction minister Nitin Nabin announced that the schemes include widening/strengthening works and a high-level bridge, aimed at shortening travel times and improving safety on busy corridors.
Where the money will go (highlights)
- Araria: a 30-km road from Jaynagar (Bhargama) to Ghurna (Narpatganj) up to the India–Nepal border (₹135 cr).
- Buxar (SH-17): Chausa–Gola–Kochas section including a bridge (₹117.49 cr).
- Saran: 12 km strengthening in Taraiya (₹48.68 cr).
- Nawada: 11.6 km link via multiple villages (₹45 cr).
- Madhubani: 12.5 km Ramnagar–Motipur Khaira strengthening (₹72 cr).
- Bhagalpur: 17.14 km Bhagalpur–Kotwali via Gora Dih (₹80 cr) and 4.5 km connector from SH-19 to NH-80 (₹56.7 cr).
- East Champaran: 11 km Dhaka–Laukhan widening (₹42.5 cr) and 15.55 km Nargir–Champapur–Adapur strengthening in Motihari (₹47.42 cr).
- Purnia: 11.2 km Ghamdaha–Kuari strengthening (₹29.48 cr).
Why CRIF matters (and how it’s funded)
CRIF is the Centre’s dedicated pool for state roads and related infrastructure, created by statute and funded via a cess on petrol and diesel that’s credited to the Consolidated Fund of India and then allocated per rules/guidelines. In short: it’s a predictable channel that states can tap for well-scoped road works.
Bigger picture: part of a growing pipeline
This clearance lands days after Bihar’s minister met Union minister Nitin Gadkari seeking ₹1,100 crore under CRIF for 15 schemes/226 km, and amid parliamentary updates that place Bihar’s current highway package at 3,092 km / ₹70,726 crore under various central programmes. The ₹675-crore tranche shows the ask-to-approval funnel is moving.
What it means on the ground
- Border trade & security: The Araria border road tightens a critical spur to the Nepal frontier, easing movement of goods and emergency services.
- Decongestion & safety: Widening + strengthening on SH-17 (Buxar) and links in Bhagalpur/Motihari should reduce crash risks and cut travel time on over-stressed stretches.
- District balance: With East Champaran, Bhagalpur, Madhubani all featuring, the package is geographically spread, complementing earlier cabinet-cleared upgrades and expressway announcements.
