MOMENTUM GATHERS FOR BAIRIA-ARA FOUR-LANE PROJECT

MOMENTUM GATHERS FOR BAIRIA-ARA FOUR-LANE PROJECT

31-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------A stakeholder consultation meeting regarding the proposed 27.062-km-long Bairia-Ara four-lane greenfield National Highway (spur) project was held under the chairmanship of Bhojpur District Magistrate (DM) Mr. Tanay Sultania. During the meeting, the project's progress was reviewed, and instructions were issued to expedite land acquisition, utility shifting, and other statutory procedures.

Officials from NHAI and PIU (Ghazipur) delivered a detailed presentation on the project, providing information regarding its current status, land acquisition, utility shifting, statutory clearances, and inter-departmental coordination.

During the review, the District Magistrate directed officials to ensure the time-bound resolution of pending land acquisition cases in the Ara Sadar and Barhara administrative blocks. He instructed all concerned departments to coordinate effectively to swiftly complete utility shifting and other necessary formalities so that project work could commence within the stipulated timeframe.

It was stated in the meeting that the project involves the construction of a 27.062-km-long four-lane greenfield road connecting NH-31 and NH-922. Additionally, a major bridge (approximately 3.6 km long) over the Ganges River near Mahuli Ghat, an interchange, five minor bridges, two Vehicular Underpasses (VUP), five Light Vehicle Underpasses (LVUP), and 16 Small Vehicle Underpasses (SVUP) will be constructed.

The District Magistrate remarked that this project is one of the most significant infrastructure initiatives for Bhojpur district. Currently, traveling from Bhojpur (Ara) to Ballia in Uttar Pradesh requires covering a distance of over 100 km via Chhapra; however, upon the completion of the Bairia-Ara four-lane road and the proposed Ganges bridge near Mahuli Ghat, this distance will be reduced to approximately 27 km. This will improve connectivity between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, reduce travel time, and provide fresh impetus to trade, transportation, investment, and regional economic activities. Additionally, local employment opportunities will be generated during the construction phase.

Officials from the Railways, the Department of Telecommunications, and other relevant departments—along with the Deputy Development Commissioner, Additional Collector, Sub-Divisional Officer (Sadar), District Land Acquisition Officer, Deputy Collector (Land Reforms), Circle Officers (Sadar and Barhara), and the Project Director (NHAI, PIU, Ghazipur)—were present at the meeting.