The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and agricultural irrigation in Bihar. The projects—the Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor and the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project—are expected to enhance regional development, employment, and agricultural growth, contributing to the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision.

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• The Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor (NH-119A) will be a 120.10 km, 4-lane access-controlled road.
• The project will cost ₹3,712.40 crore and is expected to reduce travel time from 3-4 hours.
• It will connect Patna, Arrah, Sasaram, and major transport hubs like Bihita Airport.
• The project will generate around 48 lakh man-days of employment.
• It will improve regional connectivity and support the transportation of goods between cities like Patna, Varanasi, Ranchi, and Lucknow.
• The Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project, costing ₹6,282.32 crore, aims to enhance irrigation in Bihar.
• This project will divert surplus water from the Kosi River to the Mahananda basin for irrigation.
• It is part of the PMKSY-AIBP (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme).
• Expected to irrigate 2.10 lakh hectares of farmland across Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar districts.
• The project will be completed by March 2029 and will benefit Kharif crop irrigation, enhancing agricultural growth in the region.