New Delhi: In its bid to decongest Ayodhya and adjoining areas, the road transport and highways ministry has sought special approval from the Centre for building a 68km greenfield bypass with an investment of INR 3,570 crore. NHAI has invited bids for this 4/6 lane highway that will cover Lucknow, Basti and Gonda districts.
The project in two parts – North Ayodhya and South Ayodhya bypass – has been envisaged considering high increase in passenger and freight vehicle movement expected in the region after the inauguration of Ram temple. As per estimates, the traffic is likely to increase from the current 89,023 per day to 2.17 lakh daily in 2033. The bypass will be built on public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
Sources said special approval has been sought as the finance ministry has asked the road ministry not to go ahead with any new project under Bharatmala for the time being. They added that since the project costs over INR 1,000 crore, the ministry needs to get approval from an apex committee that appraises PPP projects. NHAI wants to finish construction in two-and-a-half years.
