Patna: The NHAI has received bids for selecting an agency to construct the Sherpur-Kanhauli six-lane road, a key component of the Patna Ring Road project.The bids are currently under evaluation, and the selection process is expected to take about a month. After finalisation, a letter of approval (LoA) will be issued to the successful bidder, following which construction work will commence.The proposed six-lane stretch will run approximately 9.98 km from Sherpur to Kanhauli on NH-131G, including an 8.48-km main carriageway and a 1.5-km ramp at the Kanhauli junction. The project is estimated to cost Rs777.79 crore, of which Rs362.62 crore is earmarked for civil works. The state and central govts will share the cost equally.The project includes the development of a junction with the Danapur-Bihta elevated corridor and will be executed under the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) mode.According to an NHAI official, the project features four minor bridges, two minor bridges-cum-underpasses, a flyover, two vehicular underpasses (VUPs), three light vehicular underpasses (LVUPs), and four small vehicular underpasses (SVUPs). It will also have one interchange with the Bihta-Danapur elevated corridor, 30 culverts, and 6.48 km of slip roads.A six-plus-six lane toll plaza will be located 7.5 km before Kanhauli. The construction period is estimated at two years. The road will have a design speed of 100 km per hour, a five-metre-wide flush median, and a flexible pavement designed for a capacity of 150 million standard axles (msa).The project had earlier been stalled due to the state govt’s delay in releasing its 50% share of funds. Following consent and allocation of funds by the state, the tender process was initiated.NHAI officials said farmers whose land is being acquired will be compensated after document verification, and notices have already been issued. The district administration has identified the required land for the greenfield stretch between Sherpur and Kanhauli, while some existing roads will be widened.The Sherpur-Kanhauli stretch is expected to benefit Patna, Saran, and Vaishali districts. Additionally, a new bus stand—the Patli Bus Terminal—will be developed at Kanhauli on around 50 acres of land. Officials said the land acquisition for the bus terminal is unlikely to displace any homes.
