Bhagalpur NH News highlights the ongoing challenges faced by commuters on NH 80, despite ongoing construction, leading to potential health issues for those navigating the poorly-maintained stretch between Zero Mile and Sabour.
The recent patchwork by the National Highways department proved temporary, failing to withstand the wear and tear. Potholes and road depressions are causing discomfort to travelers, with larger craters posing a risk of back and neck pain.
Of particular concern is the neglected state of the road near Rani Talab, where water overflow from the adjacent drain has added to the inconvenience for pedestrians. The current situation echoes a past incident where the road had transformed into a temporary water body due to poor drainage.
The highway between Zero Mile and Sabour faces encroachment issues, with illegal structures hindering the efforts to improve the road conditions. Despite plans made three years ago, no substantial action has been taken to address this concern.
The unshifted electricity poles along the route also contribute to the challenges faced by commuters. Despite discussions about relocating these poles, no progress has been made in the last four years.
Babupur Mod has become hazardous, with limited space for vehicles to maneuver safely. The road conditions are alarming, with collapsed patches and broken railings near a bridge, raising the risk of accidents.
Physiotherapist Dr. Sunil Kumar Nirala warns that rapid jolts on such roads can lead to disc displacement in the spine, causing discomfort and potential injuries. Travelers are advised to take precautions, including avoiding two-wheeler journeys and practicing stretching exercises to mitigate the impact.
There is a need for a thorough inspection and third-party assessment of the patchwork carried out on the road. Substandard materials seem to have been used, possibly to inflate billing amounts. The road maintenance should continue until the completion of the planned permanent road construction by November.
Bridge Engineer Brijnandan Kumar, Executive Engineer at the National Highways Authority, Bhagalpur, assures that the construction work is progressing, and maintenance efforts will continue to ensure a smoother and safer road for commuters once the construction is completed.