Patna, May 12: Bihar road construction minister Nand Kishore Yadav today said widening the road is the only option to ease traffic jam.

Speaking to reporters at Soochna Bhavan, Yadav responded to the questions regarding traffic jam on Gandhi Setu. He added there is no other option to tackle jams on the national highways other than broadening roads.

“Traffic jam is the major issue in the city and widening the roads is the only option to tackle the situation. However, when it comes to Gandhi Setu, I must say the Centre is responsible for the poor condition of the bridge. The non-release of funds by the Centre for undertaking comprehensive repair work is the reason behind the problem. Gandhi Setu is not a political issue for me but it is our lifeline. If the Centre doesn’t approve the comprehensive rehabilitation plan, how would we be able to repair the bridge?”

The state government had sent a proposal of Rs 167 crore to the Centre for undertaking bridge-repair work.

Earlier, the minister had said that in 2009, chief minister Nitish Kumar had urged the director-general of roads, government of India, to look into the issue of repair of the dilapidated bridge, who had sent an expert, V.K. Raina, for inspection. Raina recommended that piecemeal repair would not be affective and suggested comprehensive maintenance. At the Centre’s behest, the Bihar government sent a detailed project report for comprehensive repair in 2010.

“The Centre twice made queries in this regard which were replied to. However, its approval is still awaited. As far as the money is concerned, we have asked the Centre to change the super structure of the setu but they are giving money piece by piece. This will not help. National highways come under the Centre and the money, which is collected through toll tax directly goes to the Centre,” said Yadav.