The Bhagalpur bypass, built at a cost of ₹200 crore, is in a state of disrepair. This vital route connecting Nathnagar and Zero Mile experiences continuous traffic. However, the authorities have failed to maintain it properly. Despite this, the government continues to collect between ₹6.5 and ₹7 lakhs in daily toll revenue from the bypass.
The current condition of the road leads to frequent damage to vehicles. About half of the 16-kilometer bypass is severely damaged, with large potholes. These conditions contribute to vehicle breakdowns and traffic congestion.
Over 25,000 vehicles use this route daily. Despite this high traffic volume, the government has not addressed the deteriorating road conditions. The bypass was constructed in 2019 by a company based in Rajasthan. Toll collection was managed by companies from Bihar and Delhi from 2019 to 2021.
Subsequently, an MP-based company handled toll collection from August 2021 to August 2022. After that, companies from Nagpur and Rajasthan managed the tolls, but the road’s condition was neglected. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari stated in 2024 that tolls should not be collected on poorly maintained roads. However, no toll exemptions or road repairs were implemented.
Local residents have voiced their anger, noting that the poor road conditions cause daily accidents, with the administration failing to respond. During the rainy season, the situation worsens as potholes fill with water, making it difficult to see the depth and increasing the risk of accidents. People have criticized the administration’s slow response and appealed to the government to address the problem to prevent future accidents.