Nitish Government Bets on Expressways to Transform Bihar’s Development, Boost State Revenue

The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government is preparing to redraw the state’s development roadmap by focusing on large-scale expressway projects aimed at accelerating economic growth, improving connectivity, and increasing state revenue. Inspired by the expressway model successfully implemented in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar is now moving towards building expressways largely on its own strength.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has long emphasized self-reliance and sustainable development, has taken a fresh resolve to reduce dependence on the Centre by creating a state-driven expressway network. The move is being seen as a major policy shift in Bihar’s infrastructure planning.

Independent Expressway Authority to Be Formed

According to official sources, the state government plans to establish an independent Expressway Development Authority, which will be entrusted with end-to-end responsibility for the projects. The authority will oversee everything from financial management and land acquisition to construction and maintenance of expressways.

This autonomous body will function on the lines of Uttar Pradesh’s expressway model, which has emerged as a benchmark for fast-track infrastructure development in India.

Funding Through Loans, State to Act as Guarantor

To finance these ambitious projects, the Bihar government will raise funds through loans from various financial institutions. The state will act as a guarantor, ensuring smooth availability of credit without placing an immediate financial burden on the exchequer.

Officials indicated that several expressway corridors are already in the planning stage, with a target to complete construction on key routes by 2027.

Toll Revenue to Ensure Financial Sustainability

Once operational, the expressways will generate revenue through toll collection, which will be used to repay loans and sustain maintenance costs. This model is expected to make the projects financially viable without exerting long-term pressure on state finances.

Employment, Trade and Connectivity to Get a Boost

The expressway initiative is expected to create large-scale employment opportunities, especially for local populations, during both construction and operational phases. Improved connectivity will significantly benefit cities such as Patna, Purnea and Raxaul, strengthening trade, industry and logistics networks.

Experts believe the project could position Bihar as a key player in eastern India’s infrastructure growth story, enhancing investor confidence and accelerating overall economic development.

The Nitish government’s expressway push marks a decisive step towards making Bihar self-reliant in infrastructure development, while opening new avenues for revenue generation and long-term growth.