Mon Jun 30 08:38:34 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A Rs 100 crore road widening project in Jehanabad, Bihar, has gone awry, leaving trees standing in the middle of the newly constructed Patna-Gaya main road. The district administration’s request to remove the trees was denied by the forest department due to a compensation dispute. Instead of resolving the issue, authorities built the road around the trees, creating a dangerous obstacle course for drivers and resulting in multiple accidents. The lack of action from the district administration raises concerns about accountability in the event of serious accidents.

**News Article:**

**Bihar Road Widening Project Turns Deadly: Trees Left Standing in Middle of Newly Built Highway**

**Jehanabad, Bihar** – A Rs 100 crore road widening project in Jehanabad, Bihar, has become a nightmare for commuters after authorities bizarrely built a 7.48 km stretch of road around existing trees, leaving them standing in the middle of the highway. The Patna-Gaya main road, meant to improve traffic flow, has instead turned into a dangerous obstacle course, with drivers forced to swerve erratically to avoid the haphazardly placed trees.

The district administration had initially sought permission from the forest department to remove the trees as part of the road widening project. However, the forest department denied the request, demanding compensation equivalent to 14 hectares of forest land. When the district administration failed to provide the compensation, they proceeded with the project, opting to build the road around the trees rather than resolving the dispute.

“It appears to be an Rs 100 crore invitation to death,” one local resident said. “Many accidents have already happened because of the trees in the middle of the road.”

The haphazard placement of the trees, not in a straight line but scattered across the road, makes them incredibly difficult for drivers to avoid. Despite the clear and present danger, the district administration has yet to take any concrete steps to remove the trees or address the hazardous situation.

The situation has sparked outrage and concern among residents, who fear a major accident is inevitable. The question remains: who will be held responsible when a serious injury or fatality occurs?

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