Bihar News : The ongoing construction of the Bholanath Flyover has created severe traffic problems for thousands of commuters in southern Bhagalpur. With the main route diverted, traffic has been redirected through the Bhikhanpur 12 Number Railway Crossing, resulting in hours-long traffic jams throughout the day.
The single-route crossing witnesses heavy congestion from morning until late at night, leaving schoolchildren, office-goers, and other commuters stranded for long periods.
Frequent Train Movement Worsens the Situation
According to local residents, the railway section has a double-track line, leading to frequent train movement. The problem is further aggravated by inadequate signalling, which often forces freight trains to halt near the railway crossing.
Residents said goods trains remain stationed at the crossing for 30 minutes to an hour, forcing the railway gate to remain closed for extended periods. As a result, long queues of vehicles build up on both sides of the crossing.
Schoolchildren and Ambulances Hit Hard
The prolonged traffic jams are causing major inconvenience to schoolchildren, especially during afternoon hours when school buses and vans return home. Many students are forced to remain stuck in traffic under the scorching sun for extended periods.
Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, are also getting trapped in the congestion, raising concerns about delays in critical medical emergencies.
Diversion Due to Flyover Construction
Since work on the Bholanath Flyover began, the main road connecting southern parts of the city—including Mirjanhat, Habibpur, Jagdishpur, and Goradih—has been closed. As a result, nearly all traffic has been diverted through the Bhikhanpur railway crossing.
The narrow road and the frequent closure of the railway gate have pushed the traffic system beyond capacity. Even after the gate opens, vehicles from both directions attempt to cross simultaneously, often resulting in gridlock.
Residents Demand Immediate Action
Local residents have alleged that both the Railways and the district administration have failed to manage the situation effectively. They pointed out that despite the heavy traffic volume, there is no permanent deployment of traffic police at the crossing.
Residents have demanded that:
- Freight trains should be halted at the railway outer signal instead of near the level crossing.
- Adequate traffic personnel should be deployed on both sides of the railway gate to regulate traffic.
- Construction of the Bholanath Flyover should be expedited to reduce pressure on the alternate route.
They warned that unless immediate corrective measures are taken, the traffic situation could become even more critical in the coming days.
