Bhagalpur–Agarpur Kotwali Four-Lane Project Stuck in Re-Tender; Construction Agency Yet to Be Finalized

Bhagalpur, Bihar: The crucial Bhagalpur–Agarpur–Kotwali four-lane road project, aimed at improving connectivity in Bhagalpur city, has hit a roadblock and is now indefinitely delayed. Preparations for widening the road had been underway for some time, but the project was stalled as technical approval (TS) could not be secured, forcing the tender process to be canceled.

Tender Process Faces Setback

Officials report that the construction agency could not be selected because the project got caught up in re-tendering complexities. Despite long-standing plans to expand the road, the work is now postponed indefinitely. The project’s tender process had been advancing rapidly before the elections but was canceled due to the pending technical clearance.

Project Cost and Timeline

The foundation stone for the project was laid on 5 October. The estimated cost for the four-lane construction is ₹1.01 crore, with a target completion period of 24 months, i.e., by 2027. The selected agency would also have been responsible for five years of post-construction maintenance. However, the tender process has been delayed for over two and a half months, and several tender deadlines had already been extended.

Technical Approval Delay

Government officials confirmed that the technical approval has been prepared and sent for sanction, but its clearance may take time due to high-level scrutiny. Even after approval, the tender process is expected to take at least three more months, potentially causing a six-month delay in the overall project timeline.

Contrast with Lohia Bridge–Aliganj Four-Lane Project

In contrast, the Lohia Bridge to Aliganj four-lane stretch has already received technical approval. The estimated cost for relocating electricity poles and wires along the route has been finalized, and the electricity department will soon submit the report to the Road Construction Department for further action.

Officials Comment

Arvind Gupta, Executive Engineer at RCD, stated, “The tender for the Bhagalpur–Agarpur–Kotwali four-lane project was canceled due to pending technical approval. Once TS clearance is received, the tender will be reissued.”

Impact on the Public

The delay directly affects local residents who have been waiting for smoother traffic and improved road connectivity. The road serves as a major link between Bhagalpur, Agarpur, and Kotwali. Widening was expected to ease traffic flow, but with the current delays, commuters will have to wait longer. Officials claim they are working to expedite the process, yet construction is unlikely to begin immediately.