Dream Project or Nightmare? Udwantnagar Farmers Divided Over Bullet Train Survey

PATNA – The bullet train is considered a dream project for the country. The proposed Varanasi-Howrah bullet train project is being surveyed for the portion falling in Bhojpur and Buxar by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited. Workers conducting surveys in Udwantnagar received mixed feedback from the villagers.

Some view it as a development benchmark, while others fear losing their land in the process. The most affected farmers are those whose ancestral land and homes will be acquired along this route. The area is becoming a hub for Udwantnagar Rail Road and Bullet Train. The land acquisition process for Udwantnagar fourlane on the Ara Ring Road and Ara Sasaram fourlane is already underway. Now similar preparations are being made for the bullet train along this route. Farmers feel that even if the government provides compensation, it won’t be enough to build homes. They suggest engaging in work off the fields if fair compensation based on market rates is offered. The acquisition of agricultural land is deemed unjust, and the agency conducting structural and socio surveys is facing resistance from farmers.