On 27 February 2024, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, launched six large highways aimed at enhancing connectivity and easing traffic congestion in various regions across India. The new highway projects are:
Jaunpur Bypass in Uttar Pradesh
- Approval granted for the construction of a 29 km long 4-lane Jaunpur Bypass (Package-1) on the Jaunpur-Akbarpur section of National Highway – 135A.
- Cost: Rs 1,894.76 crore.
- Objective: Easing traffic in Jaunpur city’s densely built-up area, improving connectivity to other highways, and reducing travel time.
Chhapra Bypass Widening in Bihar
- Widening of the existing Chhapra Bypass section of National Highway-19 in Saran district, Bihar, approved with 3 additional lanes.
- Cost: Rs 481.86 crore.
- Objective: Enhancing traffic flow efficiency, reducing travel time, and boosting connectivity to Purvanchal Expressway, thereby fostering economic development.
Kotdwar Bypass in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
- Construction of a 6 km long 4-lane Kotdwar Bypass on National Highway-119 in Bijnor and Pauri districts.
- Cost: Rs 691.70 crore.
- Purpose: Acting as a bypass for Kotdwar city, alleviating congestion, enhancing connectivity with Uttar Pradesh, and promoting tourism, particularly to Kedarnath and Badrinath Dhams.
Giridih Bypass in Jharkhand
- Construction of a 2-lane bypass road with paved shoulders around Giridih town on National Highway-114.
- Cost: Rs 438.34 crore.
- Objective: Reducing travel time between Ranchi and Deoghar, and fostering socio-economic development by circumventing Giridih city.
Road Upgrade in Himachal Pradesh
- Approval for upgrading the existing road from Kalar Bala village to Nauni Chowk on National Highway-205 to a 4-lane with paved shoulders.
- Cost: Rs 1,244.43 crore.
- Objective: Enhancing connectivity to Shimla, Kangra, Dharamshala, Mandi, Darlaghat, and AIIMS.
Daringbadi Ghat Widening in Odisha
- Allocation of Rs 718.26 crore for widening and strengthening the Daringbadi Ghat section on National Highway-59, spanning Kandhamal and Ganjam district.
- Distance: 26.96 km.
- Purpose: Overcoming challenges posed by narrow carriageways, improving highway standards, ensuring safety, and facilitating all-weather connectivity, especially for tourists visiting the area during winter.
Cover Picture: https://www.nhai.gov.in
