Patna: Concerns have emerged regarding delays in the land acquisition process for the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway project, which passes through eight districts of Bihar. Progress on the project is feared to be affected due to the lack of approval from the Union Cabinet for its construction under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The Bihar Department of Road Construction has requested the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to expedite the approval of the project. Additionally, a proposal has been submitted to construct the expressway with six lanes instead of four.

The proposed Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway has a total length of approximately 568 kilometers, of which roughly 417 kilometers will pass through Bihar. The road will connect the districts of West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj. The project is expected to improve connectivity between Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, while also facilitating access to Northeast India.

According to the Department of Road Construction, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sent the project for approval by the PPP Assessment Committee. Once this stage is approved, the path will be cleared to advance the construction process. Notifications for land acquisition have already been issued in all relevant districts except Kishanganj.

The department fears that if the next phase of land acquisition does not commence by the end of the current year, it may be necessary to issue fresh notifications. This could lead to further delays in the project and impact proceedings related to landowners.

The state government has previously proposed constructing the expressway with six lanes instead of four, but no final consensus has been reached on this matter yet. Construction with six lanes is expected to handle increasing future traffic pressure and improve connectivity, although approval at the central level is required for this.

The Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway is considered vital for the development of North Bihar. It is expected to boost the transportation of agricultural produce, trade, industrial activities, and religious tourism. In particular, improved road connectivity for areas in North Bihar, including Sitamarhi, is expected to facilitate travel for passengers. All eyes are now on the central government's approval. If the approval and land acquisition process are completed on time, construction of the project can proceed; otherwise, there is a risk that delays will further prolong the path to its completion.