The construction of the Rail Over Bridge (ROB) at Bausi Railway Bridge No. 2 in Bhagalpur has come to a standstill for the past week. Piling work has stopped completely due to intense protests from local residents regarding land acquisition and encroachment issues. This interruption marks the second time in two months that the project has faced delays. While officials from the Bridge Construction Corporation have warned of administrative action to clear the land, some residents have already begun voluntarily removing parts of their properties, such as boundary walls and balconies, to avoid forced demolition by the administration.
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Why are residents protesting against the Bausi ROB?
The conflict escalated recently when residents of Ward 48, specifically around Shitala Sthan, stopped the construction work. Workers who were shifting electricity poles were forced to leave the site due to the tension. The primary demand from the protesters is for a Rail Under Bridge (RUB) or an underpass instead of an Over Bridge. They argue that an underpass would require less land and save many residential buildings from demolition.
Many locals claim they did not receive individual notices regarding land acquisition and only learned about the requirements through newspaper advertisements. Residents argue that starting construction without a fresh field survey is unfair to families who have lived there for years. Local MLA Rohit Pandey intervened on February 14, 2026, meeting with the District Magistrate to request a pause in acquisition until official notices are properly served and a dialogue is established.
What is the official status and deadline for the project?
Officials maintain that most of the land required for the project was acquired by the Railways back in 1962 and that the current Social Impact Assessment is valid. The Assistant Engineer of the Pul Nirman Nigam stated that many houses and gardens are encroaching on government land and must be removed to ensure the project stays on track. The administration is firm on clearing these areas to facilitate the construction of the bridge, which is vital for solving traffic jams in South Bhagalpur.
The project details are as follows:
- Project Budget: ₹66.97 Crore
- Total Length: 713.8 meters
- Completion Target: April 2028
- Executing Agency: Hardev Construction Pvt. Ltd.
Once completed, this ROB is expected to provide significant relief from the chronic waterlogging and traffic congestion seen at the Bausi and Bholanath underpasses, especially during the monsoon season.