Patna: The condition of the Patna–Aurangabad National Highway (NH 139) has worsened drastically, particularly near Jeetan Chhapra village under Paliganj subdivision, where a one-kilometer stretch has been reduced to a series of deep potholes. The battered road has led to massive traffic jams of heavy vehicles, causing daily hardship for commuters and villagers.
Local residents say the problem has persisted for the past two months, aggravated by rainfall and waterlogging from drains. “Due to the rainwater, 4 to 5 feet deep potholes have formed on the highway. Movement of heavy vehicles has made the situation worse, leading to frequent accidents. People of our village are living in constant fear,” said Akhilesh Kumar, a resident of Jeetan Chhapra.
Two-wheeler riders are among the worst affected. Gopal Kumar, a biker traveling from Mehendia in Arwal to Patna, expressed frustration: “Despite being a national highway, its condition is worse than a village road. Riders like us are at serious risk, and accidents are becoming common.”
Truck drivers too are facing endless delays. Guddu Kumar Singh, who was on his way from Patna to Dehri-on-Sone, said he spends almost an entire day stuck in jams. “These potholes have been here for months. I get stuck in traffic for six to seven hours every day. There’s always the fear that a major accident could happen anytime,” he said.
CPI-ML MLA from Paliganj, Sandeep Saurabh, confirmed that he has raised the issue with the authorities but no corrective action has been taken so far. “Villagers informed me about the collapsing condition of NH 139. I conveyed the matter to the Patna District Magistrate and NH officials through phone and written communication. However, the situation remains unchanged. If immediate repairs are not carried out, we will be compelled to launch an agitation,” he warned.
Residents and daily commuters are now demanding urgent intervention from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to repair the damaged stretch and restore smooth traffic flow.
