India, March 28 -- The Union cabinet on Friday approved a 120-km-long four-lane highway project connecting Patna and Sasaram via Aurangabad and Kaimur in Bihar, along with the inclusion of Kosi Mechi river-linking project in the state, under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).

The project will be built on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a cost of Rs.3,712.40 crore.

The announcement comes at a crucial time as the state heads for assembly elections later this year wherein the NDA government under chief minister Nitish Kumar looks to return to power with ally BJP.

Addressing reporters, Union minister of railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said the project will be carried out in two packages, wit...