Road shines in Bihar, crumbles in West Bengal

KISHANGANJ: A 23-km section on the 69km long stretch of NH31 that connects Bengal's Purnia and Bihar's Kishanganj, is what locals point to as a showcase of work the Nitish Kumar government has done. It looks like the National Highway Authority of India's extensive work in the poll-bound state could become a face-saver of sorts for Nitish, otherwise beset with issues.

The smooth stretch that runs from Kishanganj is in stark contrast to the potholed nightmare the NH 31 becomes once it enters Bengal. Potholes and broken dividers mar the 23-km stretch in Bengal's North Dinajpur district.

"We always find the condition of the national highway in Bihar way better than that in West Bengal. No one takes care of the stretch that falls is in my state," said Mohd Raihan Fazal of Manora that falls in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

Once you enter Bihar where Kishanganj district starts, the highway runs smooth through the district. But once it re-enters Bengal to move towards Islampur, it's a bumpy ride again.

Yet, a toll tax still needs to be paid at Surjapur toll plaza for the non-existent highway road that criss-crosses the states twice between Purnia in Bihar and Islampur in West Bengal.