Patna-Gaya-Dobhi Section of NH-22 Inaugurated to Boost Connectivity and Economic Growth in Bihar
Chennai: The Patna-Gaya-Dobhi section of National Highway 22 (formerly NH-83) was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant milestone in enhancing Bihar’s infrastructure and connectivity. This project, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), involves the four-laning of approximately 127 km of highway, linking Patna with Gaya and Dobhi.
The upgraded highway is expected to reduce travel time by more than half, from 3 hours 38 minutes to 1 hour 56 minutes, between Patna and Dobhi. This improvement will have a transformative impact on the region, promoting regional economic development, including tourist traffic, and stimulating investment in the state. The corridor’s strategic location connects Bihar’s major national highways and offers improved access to important tourist sites, such as Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Mr. TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, highlighted the significance of this project, stating, “This Patna-Gaya-Dobhi highway project is a testament to the deep partnership between India and Japan. It reflects our shared commitment to regional economic development by coping with the increased demand for road transport. This project is expected to boost local economies and create better access to opportunities across Bihar.”
The project’s impact is expected to be substantial, delivering a transformational impact by improving the overall efficiency of passenger and freight movement, supporting the state’s economic growth, and contributing to its long-term development goals. The project was implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and funded by a Japanese ODA loan of 22,903 million yen. With this infrastructure upgrade, Bihar is poised to experience significant economic benefits and improved connectivity.
