Jaipur Dausa Manoharpur highway upgrade plan gains pace
The long-awaited plan to expand the Dausa–Manoharpur highway has gained crucial momentum with the appointment of a consultant by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The step is expected to transform the existing two-lane stretch into a modern four-lane corridor designed to reduce congestion, improve safety, and facilitate sustainable regional connectivity.
According to officials, the DPR will be central in determining the project’s technical specifications, estimated costs, land acquisition requirements, and integrated safety features. Once finalised, the report will be submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for approval, following which funds will be sanctioned and tenders invited.
The push to upgrade the Dausa–Manoharpur stretch comes in the wake of recurring concerns over road safety. Just last week, a team from the ministry visited the site of a tragic accident near the Bapi Industrial Area, where a collision involving a stationary container truck and a speeding pick-up vehicle resulted in multiple fatalities. While officials emphasised that the upgrade process had already been under consideration, the recent incident is believed to have accelerated administrative approvals. Highway development in Rajasthan has often lagged behind demand due to rapid urbanisation and the growing vehicular population. Experts argue that converting the corridor into a four-lane stretch will not only ease travel between Jaipur and adjoining districts but also reduce the burden on local roads, cutting travel times and improving logistics efficiency.
Planners highlight that the project also aligns with the government’s broader emphasis on sustainable and safer mobility. New designs are expected to integrate green features such as energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting, and landscaped medians. Safety measures, including pedestrian-friendly crossings and emergency medical infrastructure, are likely to be part of the DPR. Officials stressed that a balanced approach is being pursued to ensure minimum environmental impact during expansion. The road, which carries both passenger and heavy freight traffic, is a key artery connecting industrial and agricultural clusters in eastern Rajasthan. The expansion, therefore, is expected to not only improve connectivity but also provide an economic boost by enhancing the efficiency of supply chains, particularly for perishable goods.
Public sentiment in Jaipur and neighbouring districts reflects cautious optimism. Residents, while hopeful that the expansion will reduce the number of fatal accidents, remain concerned about land acquisition challenges and the timeline for project completion. Experts, however, believe that once funding and clearances are in place, the highway could be operational within a three- to five-year horizon. The appointment of a consultant marks only the beginning of the project cycle, but it signals a concrete shift from decades of delay to a new phase of delivery. For Jaipur and Dausa residents, the long-pending upgrade offers a promise of safer roads and stronger regional connectivity that balances economic growth with sustainability.
