Residents fume as deadline for Chausa ROB extended again

Buxar: Even four years after its foundation stone was laid, the much-awaited Chausa railway overbridge (ROB) in Buxar district remains incomplete, prolonging daily hardship for thousands of commuters. The project, intended to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity, has now been pushed to 2026, triggering public anger and frustration.The foundation stone of the ROB was laid on Feb 16, 2022 by then Union minister and Buxar MP Ashwini Kumar Choubey. Construction began a few months later under the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Limited. However, the project has repeatedly missed deadlines.With the railway crossing shut, authorities have provided a temporary diversion. Residents say the narrow route witnesses long traffic jams from morning till late evening, severely disrupting daily life. Students, patients, office-goers and traders are among the worst affected.“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.Locals alleged that construction progresses at a slow pace and often remains stalled for days. “If the work had been done properly, the bridge would have been completed long ago,” said another resident, Ritesh Kumar, expressing frustration over repeated delays.The prolonged congestion has also hit local businesses. Traders said customer footfall has dropped sharply, while residents warned that the movement of heavy vehicles on the narrow diversion has increased the risk of accidents.A trader representative said residents have submitted written complaints to the district administration. “The govt and district authorities must issue strict directions to the construction agency so that this long-pending project is completed without further delay,” he said.Officials cited land acquisition as a major hurdle. A former Buxar DM had, during a review meeting in 2024, directed officials to complete the ROB within the year. The deadline was later extended to 2025, which was also missed.A senior state govt official said, “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.”A railway official said, “The railways has completed its share of the work. The bridge can become operational once the approach roads are ready.”The project, estimated to cost around Rs 32 crore, is jointly funded by Indian Railways and the state govt. While the construction agency now claims the ROB will be operational by 2026, residents remain sceptical.