Our Bureau/

BJP’s MP from neighbouring Godda seat in Jharkhand, Nishi Kant Dubey’s approach for a bridge across river Ganga near Bateshwar Sthan under Kahalgaon sub-division in Bhagalpur has given much relief to Bhagalpur administration and ruling parties in Bihar. The administration virtually is in panic here following the announcement of RJD’s proposed agitation over road jam. Bhagalpur RJD MP, Bullo Mandal warned the district administration to counter the jam otherwise the party would implement no entry (read roads blockades) on the streets at Bhagalpur.

Dubey said that National Institute for Transforming India (NITY Aayog) has given green signal for a rail-cum-road bridge across river Ganga at Bateshwar and installation of railway tracks from Vikramshila to Kataria station in Naugachia via the proposed bridge. According to him over estimated cost of Rs 2500 crore, the project would be completed. Dubey also claimed that after completing of the rail-cum-road bridge, traffic chaos  at Bhagalpur areas would automatically reduce.

Dubey said that after passing from NITY Aayog, the project would be sent for the approval of union cabinet. After passing from the union cabinet, works for the rail-cum-road bridge would be started. He said within three years, the bridge will start operating.

“A big even has happened for the entire areas with the proposed bridge,” Dubey claimed. According to him the bridge would not only solve the problem of heavy traffic flow at Bhagalpur but also would give a better transportation facility for the tourists visiting the half-excavated site of ancient Vikramshila Buddha Mahavihara, the ancient world University. “Presently due to jam and dilapidated roads, tourists generally use to avoid the place and who visit the ancient seat of learning, have to face immense difficulties. But with construction of the bridge, such problems would automatically vanished,” the BJP MP claimed.

He also pointed out the possible prosperity of that areas after having railway networks. “Entire Kahalgaon still considered as a backward place but with the arrival of trains, tourism for Vikramshila will be increased and local people have income generating opportunities,” he emphasized.

Dubey also said that a road parallel of MGR tracks (merry go round railway tracks through which coal is transported to NTPC’s Kahalgaon super thermal power station at Kahalgaon) would soon build and work will be started on March 1 after putting foundation stone. He said that the road will connect Kahalgaon-Godda directly. According to him required funds for completing the road had released on 2016-17 but due to some technical reasons, works could not be started and was delayed. He promised for fixing the day for foundation of stone of the road on March 1 next.

“Some political parties have been gearing up for creating nuisances at Bhagalpur in the name of road jam and traffic problems but the government has already sanctioned two major projects, a new proposed bridge across Ganga at Bhagalpur (parallel to Vikramshila bridge) and the proposed rail-cum-road bridge near Bateshwar Sthan at Kahalgaon,” said a local BJP leader at Bhagalpur.