By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Anisabad-Phulwari Sharif bypass in Patna has tragically earned the reputation of being a “bypass of death,” with an average of 2–3 fatalities reported daily. Over the past week alone, six people lost their lives due to accidents, mostly caused by negligent truck drivers. Alarmingly, around 2,500 deaths occur annually on this stretch, leaving residents fearful of travelling on the bypass.
Bihar’s National Highway-30 (NH-30), particularly the section from Phulwari Golambar to Zeromile, has become a hotspot for fatal accidents. Despite being a crucial route through the state capital, the highway is marred by poor traffic management and rampant violations of road rules.
Bihar Ranks Fourth in Highway Deaths
While Bihar records fewer road accidents compared to other states, it ranks fourth nationally in fatalities on highways, following Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. According to NCRB data from 2022, Bihar’s fatality rate in road accidents is shockingly high at 82%, compared to the national average of 36%.
Between 2016 and 2020, the number of accidents on Bihar’s highways rose from 8,222 to 10,007, with deaths increasing from 4,901 to 7,205 during the same period. Despite these alarming figures, little improvement has been made to the state’s traffic systems.
Recent Tragedies on NH-30
Several recent incidents highlight the ongoing crisis:
- During the Chhath festival, a woman bank manager from Lucknow died in a road accident in the Ramakrishna Nagar area.
- Dhananjay Kumar, an Animal Husbandry Department officer, was killed at Anisabad Golambar on 4th October.
- A father and son were among three victims in a fatal crash on the Bakhtiyarpur State Highway.
Local residents like Manoj and Vineet express deep frustration, stating that accidents are a daily occurrence and blame both reckless truck drivers and a lack of enforcement by the authorities. Vineet urged the traffic department to take urgent steps to improve safety measures in the area.
Why Is NH-30 So Dangerous?
The Anisabad Golambar, where eight roads converge, is a key trouble spot. Despite its importance, traffic rules are openly flouted, with wrong-side driving being common. Tej Pratap Nagar and Saristabad have also emerged as accident hotspots.
Traffic Inspector Omprakash, who oversees the area, highlighted the lack of alternative routes and urged people to follow traffic rules. “We create awareness, but many accidents happen because people take shortcuts or drive recklessly,” he said.
A Call for Action
Local residents and officials agree that improved traffic management and strict enforcement of rules are urgently needed to reduce fatalities. Until significant measures are taken, NH-30 will continue to pose a grave risk to those who travel on it.
Read more
Patna Traffic Police Intensifies Action Against Rule Violators
