Muzaffarpur. The state government has started a big initiative towards improving the road network in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar. Main roads can now be included in State Highways. The Road Construction Department has started the process and the roads will be classified soon. Under this scheme, more than 100 roads across the state, including about six main roads in the district, are likely to be upgraded to state highways.

What changes will the road classification bring?

According to officials, roads whose footfall is more than one lakh and which are directly connected to the state or national highways will be included in the state highways. After classification, the width of these roads will increase, road safety standards will improve and regular maintenance will be ensured.

This will increase the traffic speed and passengers will get direct benefits. Survey on this is going on at the road division level and soon the report will be sent to the headquarters. This initiative will not only improve the roads but will also give impetus to the economic and commercial activities of the district.

Corporation’s challenge on encroachment

At the same time, despite the road improvement plan, Muzaffarpur Municipal Corporation is still struggling with the problem of encroachment. Illegal encroachment can be seen on almost every major road and square in the city. Walking has become difficult in many areas including Motijheel, Aghoria Bazaar, Kalyani, Station Road, Club Road and Juran Chhapra.

Due to shops being set up on the road below the bridge and the footpath being occupied, traffic jams are created every day. Citizens have to walk in the middle of the road, which increases the risk of accidents. Roads located near schools and coaching institutes have become risky for students.