Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway: NHAI Seeks Approval to Remove Mountain Obstacle in Gaya for Project Progress

The construction of the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway in Bihar was going smoothly until it faced a major roadblock in Gaya district. A large mountain known as a ‘dead mountain’ is situated right on the proposed route of the expressway, halting all progress. To continue, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has requested special permission from the state government to begin cutting the mountain.

Currently, there is a state ban on setting up crusher units in the area, which are essential for breaking down the mountain. Without these machines, the mountain cannot be removed, and this will delay the expressway project significantly. NHAI has assured that any stone and ballast obtained from the mountain will be used in the expressway construction, minimizing the environmental impact.

Most of the required land for the expressway in Bihar has already been acquired, and approvals are mostly in place. However, this mountain in Gaya has become a significant technical challenge. If the government does not grant permission to remove the mountain or find an alternative route, the project will be halted.

Previously, a similar issue arose in Kaimur where the expressway was supposed to go through a mountain. A tunnel was planned, but the forest department denied permission due to environmental concerns. Consequently, the route had to be changed, making it longer and more complicated, which has delayed that section of the project.

The situation with the mountain in Gaya presents a mix of technical, legal, and administrative challenges. The government must decide whether to allow the installation of a crusher or to create a new route for the expressway. A high-level meeting is expected soon to address this issue, as this expressway is a priority for the Central Government and delays could push back the entire project timeline.