Bihar’s Rs 100 crore road turns deadly obstacle course as trees left in the middle
As part of the road widening initiative, officials approached the forest department to obtain approval for felling the trees that stood in the way. However, the request was turned down. The forest department demanded compensation for 14 hectares of forest land in exchange for permission. When the district administration failed to meet this requirement, they took an unusual step—they constructed the expanded road while leaving the trees untouched, effectively building the road around them.
Patna: Picture this: you're driving down a wide, freshly constructed road, the wind in your hair, flanked by green trees and zero potholes in sight—a dream drive. But suddenly, that dream takes a bizarre turn. Instead of lining the roadside, the trees now stand tall right in the middle of your path. The drive turns into a dodging game—swerve wrong, and you could pay with your life.
This surreal scene isn't from a simulation video game but from Bihar’s Jehanabad district, around 50 km from Patna. A Rs 100 crore road widening project on the Patna-Gaya highway has turned into a public hazard due to a bizarre planning lapse.
Trees left amid lanes
The 7.48 km stretch of road now has several trees standing right in the centre, forcing vehicles to zigzag dangerously to avoid collisions. According to locals, the situation has already led to multiple accidents. The trees weren’t a recent growth—so how did they end up being part of the final road layout
Here’s what happened. During the road expansion, the district administration sought clearance from the forest department to cut down the trees obstructing the plan. But permission was denied. The forest department asked for compensation for 14 hectares of forest land. With no agreement reached, the administration went ahead with construction—by building the road around the trees.
The result? A highway that looks more like an obstacle course than a smooth, safe passage. And the trees aren’t aligned in a neat, predictable row either—drivers have to constantly maneuver, heightening the risk of accidents.
No action despite danger
Despite rising concerns and real casualties, there has been no definitive action from authorities. The trees remain rooted in the middle of the road, and commuters are left to navigate a daily life-threatening challenge. As the situation grows increasingly dangerous, the unanswered question lingers: who will take responsibility if a fatal accident occurs?