Residents of Buxar district in Bihar continue to endure severe inconvenience as a crucial railway overbridge (ROB) remains unfinished years past its initial deadline. The Chausa ROB, a project meant to alleviate chronic traffic snarls, is now projected to be operational only by 2026, leaving thousands of daily commuters in a state of frustration.
Project Timeline and Repeated Delays
The foundation stone for this vital infrastructure project was laid with much fanfare on February 16, 2022, by the then Union Minister and Buxar MP, Ashwini Kumar Choubey. Construction commenced shortly thereafter under the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited. Despite an estimated cost of around Rs 32 crore, jointly funded by Indian Railways and the state government, the project has been plagued by consistent delays.
Initial hopes for a swift completion were dashed as deadlines came and went. A former Buxar District Magistrate, during a review meeting in 2024, directed officials to finish the work within that year. This deadline was later shifted to 2025, which has also been missed. Authorities have now set a new target of 2026 for making the bridge operational, a date that locals view with deep skepticism.
Daily Life Disrupted and Public Anger Mounts
With the main railway crossing shut for construction, a temporary diversion route is in place. This narrow alternative has become a nightmare for commuters, witnessing long traffic jams that stretch from morning until late evening. The impact on daily life is profound and widespread.
"Patients miss hospital appointments, children reach school late, and people often miss their trains. Life has become very difficult because of this incomplete bridge," said Manoj Kumar Yadav, a resident of Chausa. Echoing this sentiment, another local, Ritesh Kumar, expressed frustration at the slow pace of work, stating, "If the work had been done properly, the bridge would have been completed long ago."
The consequences extend beyond mere inconvenience. Local businesses are suffering a sharp decline in customer footfall as people avoid the congested area. Furthermore, residents have raised safety concerns, warning that the movement of heavy vehicles on the unsuitable diversion road has significantly increased the risk of accidents. Fed up with the situation, locals have submitted written complaints to the district administration, urging immediate intervention.
Official Reasons and the Road Ahead
Officials have pinpointed land acquisition as the primary bottleneck stalling progress. A senior state government official clarified the current status: "The railway portion of the ROB has been completed. The remaining work involves approach roads and finishing, which are being executed by the state agency. Delays occurred mainly due to land-related issues."
This assessment was corroborated by a railway official, who confirmed, "The railways has completed its share of the work. The bridge can become operational once the approach roads are ready."
As the construction agency reiterates the 2026 deadline, the people of Buxar are left waiting. The incomplete Chausa ROB stands as a stark reminder of the gap between infrastructure promises and on-ground delivery, with commuters paying the price daily. The public demand is clear: authorities must issue strict directives to ensure this long-pending project is completed without any further delay.
