Key Facts
The Patna-Purnea Greenfield Expressway, a flagship central project, has sparked a major controversy in Sarairanjan block of Samastipur district, Bihar. Residents have written to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari alleging that the route alignment was arbitrarily altered to benefit a close associate of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary. The alleged change could lead to the demolition of over 150 homes, dozens of shops, and a section of Kedar Sant Ramashray College, which serves 6,000 students.
Details of the Alleged Change
According to the residents' letter dated June 1, the original alignment passed through Dhanhar Chaur (lowlands) along the southern borders of Kankalipur and Jhakhra, causing minimal displacement. However, the revised route between the 48- and 53-kilometre mark now cuts through densely populated residential and commercial areas in Sarairanjan Bazar, Kankalipur, and Jhakhra. Records show that 10.5 bighas of land belonging to Vinit Ishwar alias Bobby Ishwar, a distant relative of Choudhary, fell under the original alignment. Bobby Ishwar, however, claims that six bighas of his land are affected in the current proposed alignment.
Official Responses
Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Choudhary denied using political influence, stating, "It is entirely up to NHAI to say if they have changed the alignment." Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary said the state government decides the route and promised to address concerns. NHAI officials, including Bihar Regional Officer N L Yeotkar and Project Director Raju Kumar, asserted that alignment once notified cannot be changed. Union Minister Nityanand Rai said he has taken up the matter with Gadkari to revert to the original alignment.
Impact on Residents and College
If the altered route is implemented, over 150 homes and dozens of shops face demolition. The 65-year-old Kedar Sant Ramashray College, which receives state aid, could lose a portion of its building. College principal Bipin Jha noted that the nearest degree college is 20 km away. Residents like Sushil Jha, who owns over eight katha of land, expressed distress. Parmanand Ishwar, who donated land for the college, said, "We will not let our college be destroyed."
What Readers Should Know
The project is in the pre-land acquisition stage. The MoRTH has issued a Gazette notification for land acquisition for a 64.7 km stretch through Samastipur. Local leaders, including BJP's Ranjeet Nirguni and chief councillor Puja Kumari, have protested. The controversy highlights tensions between development and displacement, with residents demanding a return to the original alignment.
FAQ
What is the Patna-Purnea Greenfield Expressway?
It is a 244.93 km six-lane expressway project estimated to cost Rs 18,000 crore, aimed at reducing travel time between Patna and Purnea from 8 to 4 hours.
Why is there a controversy over the alignment?
Residents allege that the original route through lowlands was changed to benefit a relative of Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Choudhary, now threatening over 150 homes and a college.
What has been the response from officials?
NHAI says alignment once notified cannot be changed, while Bihar CM and Union Minister Nityanand Rai have promised to look into the matter.