ITARHI-CHAUSA ROBs BRING RELIEF FROM TRAFFIC CONGESTION

ITARHI-CHAUSA ROBs BRING RELIEF FROM TRAFFIC CONGESTION

29-APRIL-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR-------------------------The Itarhi and Chausa Railway Overbridge (ROB) projects—which promise to bring a historic transformation to the district's infrastructure—have now taken concrete shape. Residents of Buxar, who have grappled with severe traffic congestion for years, have found immense relief following the completion of these projects. Locals attribute this transformation to the then-MP and former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, whose initiative and persistent efforts ensured that these long-awaited schemes were successfully implemented on the ground.

The *Bhoomi Pujan* (groundbreaking ceremony) for the Itarhi ROB was performed on the auspicious occasion of *Magh Purnima* (February 16, 2022). The foundation for this ambitious project was laid under the leadership of Ashwini Choubey. Several senior public representatives and administrative officials were present at the time—a clear indication that this project would prove to be a monumental step forward in the development of Buxar.

The total cost of the ROB constructed at the Itarhi railway crossing (LC No. 70B) stands at approximately ₹76 crore. Of this amount, the Railways spent about ₹17.40 crore on constructing the bridge's superstructure, while the State Government invested approximately ₹59 crore in building the approach roads. Today, the bridge's structure is nearly complete, and both ends have been successfully connected to the main roads. Although the blacktopping of the approach roads is yet to be completed, vehicular movement—specifically for smaller vehicles—has already commenced.

Meanwhile, the construction of the approach roads for the Chausa ROB is also nearing completion. Located at the Chausa railway crossing (78A) on the Buxar-Kochas State Highway, the Railways had already completed its portion of the work earlier; however, the construction of the approach roads had remained pending due to technical hurdles. Subsequently, all obstacles were cleared, and the approach roads were constructed at a cost of approximately ₹35 crore.

The operationalization of these two projects is yielding direct benefits not only to Buxar city but also to the surrounding rural areas. Access to the railway station, bypass, and main roads has now become both easier and faster. Thanks to the relief provided from the chronic traffic congestion that plagued the area for years, residents are now saving both time and fuel.

Local citizens credit former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey's efforts for bringing these projects out of bureaucratic files and transforming them into on-the-ground realities. They believe that this initiative represents not merely the construction of a bridge, but a new direction for the development of Buxar.

Although the administration has not yet held a formal inauguration ceremony, it is anticipated that both Road Over Bridges (ROBs) will be fully opened to the general public by the end of May.

Currently, people are already making partial use of these structures, a fact that clearly underscores their utility and the pressing need for them.

All in all, the Itarhi and Chausa ROB projects are proving to be a milestone for Buxar; the residents will long remember the foresight and active role played by former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey in making this possible.