The issue resurfaced this week after a farmer from Untesara village submitted a memorandum to the local administration demanding a helicopter to reach his field. Officials described the request as symbolic, but farmers insist it reflects deep frustration over the lack of basic access despite the expressway being nearly complete.

Rohit, a farmer from Untesara, said the highway divided his nine bighas into two parts, leaving one section landlocked. “To reach my own field, I have to cross neighbouring farms and pay them ₹5,000 each per crop. If they refuse tomorrow, I have no option,” he said.

Another farmer, Mansingh Rajoria, said his land has remained uncultivated for three years because a fenced expressway wall blocks tractor movement. “We asked for a path. When nothing happened, we asked for a helicopter to show how helpless we are,” he said.

Former sarpanch Rajendra Singh Chauhan said officials had promised service roads on both sides during construction, but instead fenced off the reserved land and handed parts to the forest department. Old village paths were also closed, he added, worsening the problem.

Some farmers also allege unresolved land disputes. Vikram, whose land was partly acquired for the project, said he received compensation for one portion but has been unable to reclaim the remaining land beyond the highway.

Responding to the controversy, Ghatia SDM Rajaram Karjare said applications have been received and are under review. NHAI Project Director Rahul Jajoria acknowledged the issue and said the farmers’ concerns were genuine, adding that solutions were being worked out.

For now, farmers say development has arrived, but access to their livelihoods has not.