NHAI fact-checks media claims on Patna-Purnea Expressway, says no change in approved alignment to benefit Bihar Deputy CM’s aide, all plans followed due process

NHAI fact-checks claims that expressway plans in Bihar were altered to benefit Dy CM's aide, calls it false
NHAI fact checks claims that expressway plans in Bihar were altered to benefit Dy CM's aide, images via NHAI on X and Business Vibes India

The National Highways Authority of India has issued an official fact-checking statement after multiple media reports claimed that the Patna-Purnea Expressway alignment in Bihar was altered in Samastipur district’s Sarairanjan area to benefit specific politically connected individuals.

NHAI has added that the alignment of the Patna–Purnea Expressway was finalised and approved on 15 January 2025 by the Alignment Approval Committee (AAC) headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, after evaluating multiple alignment options based on socio-economic considerations and IRC guidelines. The Government of Bihar was also represented during the alignment approval process.

“Contrary to the claims made in the report, there has been no change in the approved alignment between Km 48 and Km 53 in Sarai Ranjan, Samastipur district. All land acquisition notifications issued under the National Highways Act have been published strictly along the originally approved alignment, and no deviation has been made at any stage”, the statement read.

NHAI further added that: 

The main building of KSR College is not affected by the project. Only a small portion of its land is under acquisition. 

    The approved alignment affects approximately 92 residential/commercial structures, whereas the alternative alignment referred to in the report would have impacted around 255 structures, resulting in significantly higher displacement. 

    The notification issued on 06 March 2026 pertains to the same alignment approved by the AAC in January 2025.

    “Alignment approval and land acquisition processes are carried out through a transparent, technically sound and consultative process. The allegations regarding the alteration of the alignment are baseless and misleading”, NHAI added.

    Indian Express report on June 15

    on June 15, several media portals, including the Indian Express had reported that the NHAI plan was altered on a 5 km stretch to benefit the land owned by a Bobby Ishwar, a key aide of Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Choudhary of JDU, who is the MLA from Sarairanjan, to spare around 10.5 bighas of his family’s land while affecting 150+ homes, shops, and part of KSR College. 

    News 18 Hindi and many other portals followed up on the claim quickly. The claim had gone viral on social media with many users sharing it.

    The claim was also amplified by RJD on social media.

    Written by OpIndia Staff
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