Patna: The widening of the Bakhtiyarpur–Barh–Mokama stretch of the old NH-31 is in the final stage, with the four-lane road expected to open soon. The 45.7-km project, executed by the Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDCL) at a cost of Rs249.88 crore, is expected to ease congestion, reduce travel time and improve connectivity between key towns, said an official.Officials said the upgraded corridor will also boost agriculture-based employment and improve market access for local farmers. The road connects Athmalgola to Mokama Bata Chowk, passing through Barh, Pandarak Mor and Shivnar. The project is part of the state govt’s broader push to strengthen road infrastructure and improve transport links between important urban and semi-urban centres.As per the project plan, the Bakhtiyarpur–Barh–Mokama link road begins at Karjan near the Bakhtiyarpur–Tajpur bridge at Athmalgola and runs through Barh, Pandarak Mor, Shivnar and Mokama, extending up to Bata Chowk via Mokama Bazaar. The route is considered crucial for easing movement between Bakhtiyarpur, Barh and Mokama.For years, commuters faced difficulties due to the narrow width of the existing road, leading to frequent congestion and slow movement, especially during peak hours. Under the project, the carriageway has been widened from 6.5 metres to 11 metres in a four-lane configuration.Road construction department secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal said the upgraded link road would improve connectivity with nearby areas as well as state and national highways. He added that it would provide a long-term solution to congestion on NH-31 by offering a more efficient alternative route.Officials said better transport access would support agriculture-based employment, strengthen marketing facilities and create new economic opportunities in the surrounding areas, benefiting farmers by enabling faster and easier transport of produce to markets.
