Incomplete NH 80 Construction Becomes a Synonym for Accidents; People Furious Over Administrative Silence
Pirpainti (Bhagalpur): The Shermari market area on NH 80, under the Pirpainti police station jurisdiction in Bhagalpur district, is currently narrating a tale of 'destruction' in the name of development. This vital road, which connects Bhagalpur and Sahibganj, is lamenting its own wretched state. Due to the gross negligence of the construction company and administrative apathy, the road construction work at Shermari has been hanging in the balance for several months. Local residents are forced to risk their lives every single day due to this dilapidated stretch.
Negligence of the Construction Company: Incomplete Concreting, an Open Invitation to Danger
The situation of NH 80 construction in Shermari is deeply concerning. The construction company has merely performed a formality in the name of road concreting (concrete work).
The State of the Southern Side: On the southern part of the road, the concreting work has been left incomplete. Neither the finishing work has been done, nor has the concreting on the edges of the road been completed, making it common for vehicles to lose their balance.
The Crisis on the Northern Side: Massive potholes have formed on the northern side of the road. The company has neither performed any soil filling nor made any arrangements for drainage. As a result, even a little rain leads to pond-like waterlogging in these pits. Due to the mud and potholes, two-wheeler riders are frequently slipping and getting into accidents.
Condition Remains Unchanged Despite Media Reports
When this issue was highlighted prominently in local media and newspapers, there was hope that the administration would finally wake up. However, it is unfortunate that even after the reports were published, the construction company hasn't moved an inch. Neither have officials visited the site, nor have any concrete instructions been issued to complete the pending construction. Locals state that this is not just laziness in work, but a blatant compromise with public safety.
The Pain of the Common People: 'A Daily Struggle'
Local traders and school-going students of Shermari are the biggest victims of this road.
Impact on Business: Shopkeepers say that customers hesitate to come to their shops due to the dust and mud flying on the road. The market’s business has been ruined.
School Children: Children attending schools located along the roadside have to risk their lives every day navigating through these potholes.
Fear of Accidents: Local residents report that at least two to four people fall into these pits and get injured daily. Because of the darkness at night, this road becomes a 'death trap.'
Questions Raised on Administrative Accountability
The public of Pirpainti is now enraged. People are questioning whether there is no control over NHAI and the construction company. The lack of action despite repeated complaints is a sign that there is some form of collusion somewhere in the system.
A social activist stated, "We pay taxes, we expect a smooth road. But in Shermari, Pirpainti, we have only received dust, mud, and potholes. If the construction company has no interest in working, why aren't they being blacklisted immediately?"
What Do the Company and the Department Say?
No official statement from any responsible officer of the construction company has emerged so far. Meanwhile, the local administration claims that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the NH department and they can only 'follow up.' It is this lack of coordination that the common public is paying for today.
Future Strategy: 'No Road, No Vote'
The residents of Shermari have now decided to fight a decisive battle. In a meeting of the villagers, it was decided that if the road construction work does not resume within the next few days, they will launch an aggressive protest. Furthermore, local residents have warned that they will collectively register their complaints with senior officials and the district administration regarding the negligence in road construction.
The Need for Improvement
The deplorable state of NH 80 in Shermari is not just an issue of a road; it is a test of good governance and efficiency. Completing the unfinished concreting work and resolving the waterlogging problem has now become mandatory. The administration must impose heavy penalties on the construction company and set a deadline for the completion of the work.
Until the potholes are filled and the road construction is completed with quality, every day will remain a challenge for the residents of Shermari. It is hoped that this time, concrete steps will be taken by the administration and the people of Pirpainti will soon get a safe and better road.
