Foundation Stone Laid, But Road Work Nowhere in Sight; 6.45-km Stretch Remains Neglected After Two Years

In Gola block, the foundation stone for a road project may have been laid, but the actual construction work is still nowhere to be seen. The 6.450-km road from Bariyatu Bazaartand to Machatand continues to remain in poor condition, leaving villagers and schoolchildren struggling with daily travel.

The road strengthening project was put out to tender on March 29, 2023, and its foundation stone was laid on September 10, 2024. However, even after nearly two years since the foundation-laying ceremony, construction has reportedly not begun.

The delay has raised serious questions over the functioning of the contractor as well as the concerned department. With the road continuing to deteriorate, residents say they are being forced to bear the consequences of a project that exists on paper but has yet to translate into work on the ground.

‘If work has not started years after the tender and foundation ceremony, what else can it be but negligence?’

Kamlesh Kumar Mahto, MLA representative, has strongly criticised the delay and held the contractor responsible for the situation. He said the people most affected by the poor condition of the road are local residents and school-going children.

According to Mahto, the condition of the road is also creating difficulties for school vehicles. Poor road conditions and difficult stretches have increased the risk of accidents, particularly for children who depend on these vehicles for their daily commute.

He said the public cannot be left to suffer indefinitely because of the contractor’s alleged negligence. Mahto added that he had already written to the Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner, seeking action in the matter, but no visible change has taken place so far.

Demand for action against contractor

Mahto has demanded strict action against the contractor and said that if required, the contractor should be blacklisted. He warned that if construction work is not started soon, villagers will be mobilised for a strong and organised protest.

He also said the issue would be taken up with MLA Mamta Devi and efforts would be made to ensure further action on the matter.

For residents along the Bariyatu Bazaartand-Machatand route, the question now is simple: if the tender has been issued and the foundation stone has already been laid, then when will the actual road construction begin?

The prolonged delay has turned the project into a symbol of the gap between government announcements and implementation on the ground. Residents are now looking towards the administration and the concerned department for a clear timeline and immediate action.