Patna: Construction of the Danapur-Bihta elevated road in Bihar has come to a standstill, with land acquisition challenges and disputes over private properties emerging as the main obstacles.
While other major road projects in the state are progressing rapidly, work near Mahadev Phuladi and Patsa villages has been significantly delayed. Officials cited difficulties in acquiring land, delays in removing structures on private plots, and inadequate road closures as key factors hampering progress.
The project, initially scheduled for completion in September 2026, is now expected to be delayed by approximately seven months, pushing the anticipated completion date to March 2027. The most persistent challenge remains the acquisition of land in the Mahadev Phuladi area, where only seven landowners have received compensation, while in Patsa village, only two landowners have been paid. Additional demands for higher compensation have further slowed the process, although authorities are reportedly working to expedite payments.
Sources indicate that, across 22 villages, a total of 104 acres of land have been acquired, with roughly Rs 191 crore paid to 1,002 landowners. On the Danapur side, about 40% of the work has been completed, but progress on the Bihta side remains sluggish.
The Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Danapur confirmed that land is being handed over to the construction agency and that removal of structures is underway. Delays in payments often stem from incomplete land documentation, with compensation disbursed only after verification.
Earlier in December, the Public Works Department conducted an inspection of the project, reviewing construction progress and technical challenges. Officials urged that work be accelerated, while the construction agency assured that it remained committed to the original timeline. However, with land acquisition issues persisting, meeting the initial deadline now appears unlikely.
