Raxaul–Haldia Expressway to Transform Bihar–Bengal Trade by 2028

The Raxaul–Haldia Expressway is set to revolutionize connectivity and commerce across eastern India. Stretching approximately 650–719 kilometers, this six-lane, access-controlled greenfield expressway will directly link Raxaul on the India-Nepal border in Bihar to Haldia Port in West Bengal. Traversing Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, the expressway is designed to supercharge regional trade, streamline logistics, and spark economic growth.

A Game-Changer for Trade and Connectivity

This ambitious corridor, owned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will cover key districts and cities:

• Bihar: Raxaul, East Champaran, Sheohar, Samastipur, Begusarai, Suryagarha, Malaypur, Chirayandi, Katoria (Banka), Mohanpur (Deoghar), Nagpur
• Jharkhand: Ghoramara, Sonaraytahdi, Palojori (Jamtara), Kundhit
• West Bengal: Bolpur, Arambagh, Rajhatty, East Midnapore, Haldia Port

The expressway’s strategic alignment will connect industrial and agricultural hubs, enabling seamless movement of goods and people across the region.

Key Features at a Glance

• Length: 650–719 km
• Lanes: 6 (access-controlled)
• Estimated Cost: ₹54,000–₹60,000 crore
• Speed Limit: Up to 120 km/h
• Completion Target: End of 2028
• Type: Greenfield expressway

Economic and Strategic Impact

Raxaul is a vital gateway for India-Nepal trade, but the lack of a direct, high-speed corridor has long hampered efficiency. The new expressway will bridge this gap, connecting the border directly to Haldia Port—a major maritime hub—thereby:

• Reducing transit times and logistics costs
• Boosting trade competitiveness
• Encouraging industrial growth and investment
• Creating jobs in construction, logistics, and ancillary sectors
• Supporting rural and underdeveloped areas with improved access to markets

Modern Infrastructure and Integration

As a greenfield project, the expressway will feature new bridges, including a significant new span over the Ganga River between Begusarai and Suryagarha. It will integrate with existing national highways and the Golden Quadrilateral, enhancing connectivity across eastern India and beyond.

Project Timeline and Status

• June 2021: NHAI invited tenders for the Detailed Project Report (DPR)
• December 2022: DPR approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
• Mid-May 2025: Alignment approved; land acquisition initiated
• June 2025: Route approval finalized by the central government
• Expected Completion: By end of 2028

Anticipated Benefits

• Travel Time: Bihar to West Bengal in just 8 hours; Deoghar to Patna/Kolkata in about 3 hours
• Economic Uplift: Enhanced market access and new investment opportunities
• Job Creation: Thousands of new jobs across sectors
• Safety: Access-controlled design for safer journeys
• Environment: Reduced emissions and fuel use through efficient transport

The Raxaul–Haldia Expressway stands poised to become a cornerstone of eastern India’s development, linking the India-Nepal border to a major port and unlocking new economic horizons for the entire region.