Chhapra: Construction of the long-awaited Revelganj–Vishunpura bypass, popularly referred to as the Chhapra Marine Drive, is expected to accelerate in the new year, with the district administration completing key procedural steps towards land acquisition.
Officials said preparatory work for the 21km, four-lane bypass is nearing completion after a social impact assessment report submitted for the project was found to be favourable. A gazette notification under Section 11 of the Land Acquisition Act has already been issued, while a further notification under Section 19 is awaited. Once the remaining notification is published, notices will be served to affected landowners and compensation processes will begin, clearing the way for construction.
The proposed bypass aims to ease chronic traffic congestion in Chhapra by providing an alternative route between Revelganj and Vishunpura. The road will have a width of 45 feet and will require the acquisition of 127.54 acres of land across 18 villages.
Villages identified along the alignment include Godna, Samastipur, Simaria, Nawaji Tola, Diliya Rahimpur, Jan Tola, Jail Shahar, Chakia, Purwari Roja, Paschimi Roja, Jalalpur, Makhdungan, Ghenghata, Khalpura Bala, Sherpur, Paschimi Telpa and Purvi Telpa.
Senior officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the bypass is also being envisioned as a riverfront development once the road is completed. Plans under consideration include the creation of a 21km green corridor with public amenities such as parks, parking spaces, eateries and cultural and recreational facilities. Additional infrastructure may be developed to manage crowds during major festivals, including Chhath.
Anuj Kumar, executive engineer associated with the project, said the positive social impact assessment and the initial gazette notification marked significant progress. “Further action is being taken by the land acquisition department,” he said.
District magistrate Vaibhav Srivastava said all statutory procedures were being followed and a review meeting would be held soon to assess the pace of implementation.
