The project, divided into North Ayodhya and South Ayodhya bypasses, is crucial for accommodating the anticipated surge in passenger and freight traffic following the inauguration of the Ram temple. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated the bidding process for this 4/6 lane highway, encompassing Lucknow, Basti, and Gonda districts, with construction slated for completion in two-and-a-half years.
The proposed bypass, addressing the surge from 89,023 vehicles per day to an estimated 2.17 lakh daily by 2033, is strategically designed to alleviate congestion. Despite financial constraints, the project will proceed under public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
Notably, the road ministry seeks special approval due to the Finance Ministry’s temporary hold on new projects under Bharatmala. Given the project’s cost exceeding Rs 1,000 crore, approval from an apex committee is imperative for PPP project appraisal. NHAI’s ambitious timeline underscores the urgency of enhancing infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the region.
