Bihar MoU to Use River Silt in National Highway Projects

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Bihar government on November 3 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to undertake scientific desilting of rivers and other water bodies in the state and utilise the excavated material in National Highway construction projects.

Under the agreement, 243 lakh cubic metres of suitable silt will be used in 16 ongoing highway projects, while another 835 lakh cubic metres is proposed for 27 future projects in Bihar.

The initiative, named ‘Nadi Sanjivani’, aims to restore the water-carrying capacity of rivers and water bodies, strengthen flood management, conserve agricultural land and provide construction material for highway development.

Highway projects to utilise excavated silt

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) currently has 39 projects under construction in Bihar, covering approximately 1,561 km, with an estimated investment of ₹58,340 crore.

Another 11 projects, spanning around 1,982 km, are proposed in the state, involving an estimated investment of ₹1,85,200 crore.

The availability of suitable excavated silt is expected to meet a significant portion of the material requirements for these projects, reduce construction costs and facilitate timely execution of highway works.

Also Read: Patahi Airport Work Picks Up Pace in Muzaffarpur, Bihar

Scientific desilting to support flood management

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said accumulated silt has reduced the carrying capacity of rivers, contributing to floods, agricultural land damage and property losses.

He noted that Bihar faces recurring flooding and water scarcity, particularly due to rivers originating in Nepal that carry substantial quantities of water and sediment into the state.

Gadkari said scientific desilting would improve water flow and drainage, restore water bodies and make suitable excavated material available for highway construction.

He also said the initiative would establish a framework in which river restoration supports infrastructure development, while the use of excavated silt reduces dependence on fresh earth material and agricultural soil.

Also Read: Bihar Plans 220-km Riverfront Expressway Network to Boost Connectivity

Initiative aims to conserve agricultural land

Gadkari said the use of excavated silt would help conserve productive agricultural land, reduce construction costs and facilitate faster completion of highway projects.

He urged other states facing similar challenges to promote sustainable infrastructure development and improved water management.

The MoU brings together river restoration and highway construction through the planned utilisation of suitable silt from identified water bodies in Bihar.

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