Patna, Jan. 13: Construction work for the upcoming 557km-long road along the India-Nepal border in Bihar would start from Sitamarhi.

The Centre has sanctioned Rs 70.56 crore for the construction of the 24.05km-long road that would fall on the Sitamarhi stretch.

Bihar road construction department minister Nand Kishore Yadav today said the sanction letter for the stretch was received on January 11. Of the 557.355km-long border road, the state government has so far submitted projects pertaining to 213.67km.

The sanctioned road was part of the projects submitted by the state.

The minister said: “The ambitious project would not only benefit people residing near the India-Nepal border but also Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel, who have been entrusted with the task of maintaining vigil on the porous border.”

Apart from Sitamarhi, the road would also pass through West Champaran, East Champaran, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria and Kishanganj. These districts would be connected with the proposed road.

While the state government would bear the cost of land acquisition for the project, the Centre would bear the construction cost.

The state road construction department would be the implementing agency for the project.

“Construction work for the 24.05km road on the Sitamarhi stretch would begin in April, as the agreement would be completed in March. 2016 is the target to complete the construction work of the entire 557.355km-long road,” said the minister.