The National Highway 333A connecting Sheikhpura to the Jharkhand border via Banka is set for a major upgrade. The government has accelerated the initiative to widen this road to seven meters, improving travel for daily commuters. This 190 km route passes through Barbigha, Sikandra, Jamui, Jhajha, and Panjwara. Construction work on the modernized sections is expected to begin by the end of 2026, with a target to finish everything by 2028.
Cost and Route Plan for the New Highway
The total estimated cost for the entire Barbigha to Banka stretch stands at approximately ₹2,300 crore. The plan involves upgrading the existing narrow road to a two-lane configuration with paved shoulders. In busy urban areas, the road width will extend up to 25 meters, while open areas will see widths of 40 meters. A specific 118 km section connecting Naraina, Sono, Jhajha, and Katoria is being developed as a Super Highway to boost connectivity between Bihar and Jharkhand.
Timeline and Land Acquisition Status
Official work is moving forward with tenders for consultancy and bridge foundations active as of February 2026. The land acquisition process is also nearing completion in several areas. Reports indicate that 90% of the required land in the Sheikhpura stretch has been identified. The government has allocated ₹72 crore to compensate landowners in Sheikhpura. However, the alignment for the Jamui bypass is currently under review after the central government flagged the ₹92 crore land cost estimate as excessive.
Bypasses and Bridges to Ease Traffic
To reduce traffic jams in congested towns, the project includes the construction of 14 bypasses. These bypasses will help vehicles avoid heavy traffic in Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Katoria, and Jhajha. The infrastructure plan also includes six major bridges and two railway overbridges. A high-level bridge over the Chanan River is currently part of the active project list to ensure smooth travel across the region.