The Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor is infrastructure project in Bihar. Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in 2025, this project aims to enhance connectivity between major urban centres. The corridor spans 120.10 km and combines greenfield and brownfield developments. It is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and promote regional economic growth.
Project Overview
The project encompasses a 4-lane access-controlled corridor. It integrates both new construction and upgrades to existing highways. The total capital cost is estimated at Rs. 3,712.40 crore. The project will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model, which balances public and private investment.
Current Connectivity Challenges
The existing travel routes between Sasaram, Arrah, and Patna are heavily congested. Travel times currently range from 3 to 4 hours. This congestion is particularly pronounced in urban areas like Arrah. The new corridor aims to reduce these travel times by providing a more efficient route.
Key Features
The corridor will connect with major national highways, including NH-19, NH-319, NH-922, NH-131G, and NH-120. It will also facilitate access to two airports – Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna and the upcoming Bihita Airport. Additionally, it will link four major railway stations and an inland water terminal in Patna.
Economic Impact
The corridor is expected to drive regional economic growth. It will improve connectivity between Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, and Varanasi. This enhanced infrastructure is aligned with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to encourage self-reliance and economic development.
Employment Generation
The project is projected to generate approximately 48 lakh man-days of employment. This includes both direct and indirect job opportunities. The employment potential is crucial for local economies, particularly in developing regions surrounding Patna.
Traffic Projections
The annual average daily traffic (AADT) is estimated to reach between 17,000 to 20,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) by the fiscal year 2025. This projection puts stress on the expected increase in usage due to improved connectivity.
Future Prospects
Upon completion, the Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor will serve as a vital transport link. It will facilitate faster movement of goods and passengers. The project is anticipated to open new avenues for growth and prosperity in Bihar.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the role of infrastructure development in regional economic growth in India.
- What are the benefits of the Hybrid Annuity Model in public infrastructure projects? Discuss with examples.
- Discuss the impact of improved transportation networks on local economies in Bihar.
- Critically discuss the significance of connectivity projects in achieving the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the role of infrastructure development in regional economic growth in India.
- Infrastructure development enhances connectivity, facilitating trade and movement of goods.
- It attracts investments, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
- Improved infrastructure leads to better access to services like healthcare and education.
- Regional disparities can be reduced through targeted infrastructure projects, promoting balanced growth.
- Examples include the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and rural road projects improving access to markets.
2. What are the benefits of the Hybrid Annuity Model in public infrastructure projects? Discuss with examples.
- It balances risk between public and private sectors, encouraging private investment.
- Ensures timely completion of projects through performance-based payments.
- Reduces upfront capital burden on the government, allowing funds for other projects.
- Examples include the construction of highways and bridges, which have seen successful implementation under this model.
- Promotes long-term maintenance and operational efficiency of infrastructure assets.
3. Discuss the impact of improved transportation networks on local economies in Bihar.
- Enhanced transportation reduces travel time, improving access to markets and services.
- Increases trade opportunities for local businesses, boosting economic activity.
- Facilitates better access to education and healthcare, improving quality of life.
- Attracts investments, leading to job creation and economic diversification.
- Examples include increased agricultural productivity through better access to markets.
4. Critically discuss the significance of connectivity projects in achieving the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Connectivity projects support self-reliance by improving logistics and supply chains.
- They enhance regional development, promoting balanced economic growth across states.
- Improved infrastructure encourages local industries, reducing dependency on imports.
- Facilitates the movement of goods and services, essential for a robust economy.
- Projects like the Patna-Arrah-Sasaram corridor exemplify the alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
