PM GatiShakti stimulates planning and implementation of Ayodhya Bypass Project
The Ayodhya Bypass Project, a critical infrastructure initiative evaluated under the PM GatiShakti framework, is poised to significantly enhance economic, social, and logistical connectivity across multiple districts. This Greenfield project spans a total length of 67.57 kilometers, comprising the construction of the Northern Ayodhya Bypass (35.40 km) and the Southern Ayodhya Bypass (32.172 km). These bypasses are strategically designed to cover key districts such as Lucknow, Basti, and Gonda, thereby improving connectivity to economic, social, and logistical nodes, including tourist and pilgrim sites.
Ayodhya’s geographical location as a transit point between Lucknow and Gorakhpur makes it a crucial hub for the movement of various commodities such as leather, engineering goods, and building materials. The construction of the Ayodhya Bypass is expected to streamline the flow of goods, facilitating uninterrupted freight movement and decongesting the city. Additionally, the bypass is projected to cater to a significant increase in both passenger and freight vehicle movement, with estimates suggesting a rise from 89,023 vehicles in 2023 to 216,928 vehicles in 2033.
The project aims to ensure seamless connectivity to critical national highways, including NH-27 (Lucknow–Ayodhya-Gorakhpur), NH-330A (Raebareli-Ayodhya), NH-330 (Sultanpur-Ayodhya-Gonda), and NH-135A (Akbarpur-Ayodhya). Furthermore, it seeks to enhance multi-modality by integrating infrastructure such as railway stations at Ayodhya, Sohwal, A N Dev Nagar, and Ayodhya Cantt, along with the development of Ayodhya Airport.
In addition to its economic significance, the Ayodhya Bypass Project is expected to complement other proposed projects evaluated under the PM GatiShakti framework, including the Prayagraj–Raibareili Project, and the Gorakhpur-Siliguri and Gorakhpur-Bareilly Corridors. These initiatives collectively aim to enhance regional connectivity and spur economic growth.
Ayodhya’s recent infrastructural developments, such as the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and the redevelopment of Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station, further underscore the region’s growing importance. The redevelopment of the railway station, equipped with modern amenities and designed to accommodate increased passenger capacity and efficient goods transportation, is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting regional economic development.
The Ayodhya Bypass Project is not only poised to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth but also to contribute to environmental sustainability. It is projected to lead to significant fuel savings and a reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with the broader goal of promoting sustainable infrastructure development. Additionally, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities, thereby contributing to socio-economic development in the region.
Overall, the Ayodhya Bypass Project represents a significant milestone in the region’s infrastructure development, with the potential to transform the area’s economic landscape and enhance its connectivity with the rest of the country.
