BHABUA/SASARAM, June 19 -- More than 100 vital main roads and connecting roads in the Kaimur and Rohtas districts have been ruined due to the unregulated movement of heavy vehicles involved in the construction of the Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway under the Bharatmala Project. Many people have lost their lives or suffered disabilities after being struck by these heavy vehicles. People drew several agitations against the sufferings and local representatives were also up in arms. Amidst growing public outrage, Md Jama Khan, MLA from Chainpur and Bihar's Minister for Minority Welfare, has written to the Chief Minister demanding compensation for the affected individuals and the immediate restoration and reconstruction of the damaged roads. In his letter dated June 16 (A copy of same with HT), the minister said that local residents are facing severe hardship due to the ongoing expressway construction. More than 100 rural roads across three to four blocks have been completely destroyed by the movement of heavy vehicles engaged in the expressway's construction. Over 50 to 60 of these roads had been constructed after 2020. While the load-bearing capacity of roads under the Rural Works Department is limited to 12 tonnes, vehicles transporting construction materials for the expressway are flouting regulations and traversing these roads with loads ranging from 40 to 50 tonnes. Furthermore, there are constant complaints regarding gross negligence and speeding by the drivers of these vehicles, the letter said. The unregulated and overloaded operation has resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 to 14 local youths (all under the age of 25) in road accidents recently. Although strict instructions were previously issued to all concerned officials following a meeting with the District Magistrate of Kaimur, there has been no significant improvement in the situation, the minister said. He has requested the CM to take cognizance of this highly sensitive matter of public interest and impose an immediate total ban on the illegal overloading of heavy vehicles on these rural roads, as well as initiate strict legal action against the culpable companies and drivers. He also requested to provide compensation of at least Rs.1 crore each to the families of the road accident victims (the deceased) to offer solace and support their livelihood, as well as to grant approval for the immediate restoration and reconstruction of the damaged roads....