Bihar’s Key Expressway Projects Stalled as UP, Bengal Withhold Approval
Patna: The construction of two significant expressways intended to enhance connectivity between Bihar and neighbouring states has hit administrative hurdles. The Raxaul-Haldia and Gorakhpur-Siliguri expressways, both critical components of the Bharatmala project, are facing delays due to a lack of approval from the Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal governments.
The issue primarily revolves around the alignment of these roads, which remains unresolved as state authorities in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have not yet granted their consent. The matter has now been escalated to the Alignment Committee of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for further deliberation.
Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway Faces Obstacles
The Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway, a vital 519-kilometre project that will largely traverse Bihar, is being held up as the Uttar Pradesh government has not approved the alignment from Gorakhpur into Bihar. While the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed its alignment plan and forwarded it to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the crucial approval from Uttar Pradesh is still pending.
Despite expectations that a decision would be reached in February, the issue remains unresolved, leaving the project in limbo. The expressway is slated to be a greenfield road under the Bharatmala scheme, designed to improve access and facilitate smoother travel between eastern India and the rest of the country. However, without the necessary approvals, its construction cannot proceed as planned.
Raxaul-Haldia Expressway Delayed by West Bengal’s Objection
Meanwhile, the alignment of the Raxaul-Haldia Expressway, which is proposed to stretch across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, faces further complications. The West Bengal government has yet to provide its consent for the proposed alignment, stalling the project’s progress.
This expressway, expected to cover a distance of 650 km, is another greenfield initiative under the Bharatmala scheme. However, the lack of agreement from West Bengal is proving to be a significant barrier. The project aims to connect Patna to the port city of Haldia in West Bengal, but without West Bengal’s approval, the route cannot be finalized.
Bharatmala Project Faces Further Setbacks in Bihar
The Bharatmala project, which includes several crucial expressway projects, is also grappling with land acquisition issues in Bihar. In a recent meeting chaired by Jai Singh, the Secretary of the Revenue and Land Reforms Department, state officials were urged to expedite the land acquisition process for the Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway, another key component of the Bharatmala initiative. This expressway is expected to pass through multiple districts in Bihar, including Aurangabad, Gaya, Kaimur, and Rohtas.
Officials reported that in Aurangabad, disputes with local farmers have led to delays, despite efforts to mediate. In Gaya, portions of the project are located within forested areas, further complicating the land acquisition process. Additionally, in Kaimur, many farmers are refusing compensation due to disputes over land type, while Rohtas is seeing slower compensation payments.
