I originally come from same region this story is about and currently as we stand Bihar is one of the poorest states in India. Much of road work in Gaya district happens courtesy of Japanese govt. funds (Gaya is a popular Buddhist tourist attraction).

Now back in 1960 I can only imagine the chaos the country was in. We just got independence. State and central govts are just figuring out, how to run a country. How to channel funds where the need is most. There is whole bureaucratic and panchayat system which is still being established. Also a state funeral after 47 years hardly can mean anything other than the deed was well done.

Having said all of above, Bihar is still a poor state. Current state govt. is trying but I wouldn't be surprised if similar things happen again. It is not very unusual for entire river bridges to be washed away during some rain and villages to be cut off from rest of the world (even now).