Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: The Road Transport Highway Ministry has requested special approval from the Centre to construct a 68km greenfield bypass in Ayodhya and nearby areas, with an investment of Rs 3,570 crore. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited bids for a 4/6 lane highway that will pass through Lucknow, Basti, and Gonda districts.
The project, divided into North Ayodhya and South Ayodhya bypass, has been planned to tackle the increase in passenger movement after the inauguration of the Ram temple. It is estimated that the daily traffic will rise from the current 89,023 vehicles to 2.17 lakh vehicles by 2033. The construction of the bypass will be undertaken through a public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
Sources have revealed that the road ministry sought special approval as the finance ministry has advised against initiating any new projects under Bharatmala for now. Additionally, since the project exceeds Rs 1,000 crore in cost, the ministry needs approval from an apex committee that evaluates PPP projects. NHAI aims to complete the construction within two-and-a-half years.
