Khagaria Villagers Risk Lives Daily Without Bridge Over Bagmati River

Khagaria Villagers Risk Lives Daily Without Bridge Over Bagmati River

Even decades after Independence, commuters from several riverine villages under Alouli block continue to risk their lives every day. They face this danger due to the absence of a bridge over the Bagmati river.

Daily Struggles for Thousands

An estimated population of around 50,000 people from villages including Mohara Ghat, Kolbara, Batauna, Ramnagar, Kabaiya, Dharmpura, Kelawari, Shaharbanni, Hardiya and Baluahi must cross the river daily. They use small country boats or larger vessels to ferry vehicles. During periods of low water levels, some villagers rely on makeshift bamboo arrangements to cross the rivulet.

Commuters pay Rs 10 per person, Rs 40 for a motorcycle and Rs 400 for a four-wheeler to cross the river. Locals describe this arrangement as unsafe and unreliable. It causes constant anxiety, particularly during the monsoon when water levels rise sharply.

Longstanding Demand for a Bridge

Residents have demanded the construction of a bridge at Agar Ghat for several years. Agar Ghat is located on the Khagaria-Saharsa district border. Despite repeated appeals by villagers, social activists and public representatives, the demand remains unfulfilled. The project still appears to be a distant dream.

JD(U) MLA Ramchandra Sada from the Alouli (reserved) assembly constituency said he knows about the situation. He assured that he will raise the issue with the chief secretary and other concerned officials. He wants to push for the construction of a bridge.

Impact on Daily Life

Sadhu Paswan, Manzoor Alam and Azmer Alam are government teachers. Along with several villagers, they face serious difficulties while travelling daily for work, education and other essential needs. They said the lack of a permanent bridge has disrupted routine life. It has also hampered access to healthcare, markets and educational institutions.

This situation highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges in rural Bihar. It affects thousands who rely on the river crossing for their daily survival.