New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS): The government Thursday approved upgrading of two highway projects under various stages of the National Highways Development Programme (NHDP) with a total outlay of Rs.1,912.01 crore.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the development of the Gaya-Hisua-Rajgir-Nalanda-Biharsharif section of National Highway (NH) 82 and the Vadodra-Surat section of NH 8.

The Gaya-Biharsharif section in Bihar, with a total length of 93 km under various stages of the NHDP, is expected to be completed within three years of signing of the contract agreement.

"Project shall also facilitate Gaya to develop as a regional service centres with quality physical and social infrastructure for its citizen and as a pilgrimage and leisure destination for visiting tourists with thriving sustained economy," the CCEA said in statement.

"With upgradation to four-lane highway by improvement of geometrics and strengthening overlays in addition to providing bypasses to the built-up areas, smooth and safe traffic flow and substantial economic gain would be achieved. Improved road connectivity is also expected to bring in overall economic growth of the region it serves."

According to the CCEA, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has agreed to provide loan assistance with 100 percent financing for civil construction and supervision works for the implementation of the project.

In another decision, the CCEA approved the six-laning of the Vadodra-Surat section of NH 8, including construction of a new four-lane extra dosed bridge across the Narmada river and two eight-lane flyovers in Gujarat under the NHDP phase V at a cost of Rs.503.16 crore.

"Total length of the road will be (approx) 6.7 km. The project is covered in the district of Bharuch. The main objective of the project is to expedite the improvement of infrastructure in the state of Gujarat and also in reducing the time and cost of travel for traffic, particularly heavy traffic, plying between this stretch," the CCEA added.