Ajit Sharma

Congress MLA Ajit Sharma stressed on improving basic infrastructure in Bhagalpur, contrary to promises made during the recent bypolls.

During a visit on September 10, state urban development minister Samrat Chaudhary spoke of a metro train service for Bhagalpur. “Metro should be introduced here. But we should have basic infrastructure first,” Sharma said on Monday.

The MLA is showing interest in the development of Bhagalpur, infamous for its dilapidated roads and damaged bridges. On Sunday, Sharma inspected the site of the Bholanath railway bridge with engineers from the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation and Eastern Railway. The corporation’s executive engineer, Bahadur Choudhary, told reporters that a proposal to build a railway overbridge over the Bholanath railway bridge has been pending since 2010. “Since we have to take railways’ consent for the overbridge, engineers from Malda are coming here on September 17,” Choudhary said.

Sharma said he has already spoken to Rajesh Argal, divisional manager, Malda division of Eastern Railways. “The bridge construction department would prepare the blueprint for the proposed overbridge before it is approved by Railway Board, which has to give a no-objection certificate before construction can begin. Bihar government would provide funds for it,” he said.

Asked about traffic problems, Sharma said he has urged Bhagalpur district magistrate Birendra Prasad Yadav to allot spots for parking autorickshaws as the city does not have specified autorickshaw stands. He also urged him to set up a bus stand soon.