Uttar Pradesh is set to embark on a significant infrastructure expansion, constructing 10 new bridges and undertaking extensive road development projects valued at ₹1,111 crore, funded by the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). This strategic investment aims to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance connectivity, and foster a more sustainable and efficient urban and rural transport network across the state, benefiting citizens and economic activity alike.
The Public Works Department of Uttar Pradesh has meticulously crafted an ambitious infrastructure blueprint, focusing on the construction of 10 major bridge projects under the ‘Setu Bandhan’ initiative, alongside substantial road development. This comprehensive plan, backed by a significant allocation of ₹1,111 crore from the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), represents a pivotal commitment to modernising the state’s transportation arteries. The projects primarily involve the construction of critical Rail Over Bridges (ROBs) and Rail Under Bridges (RUBs), which are instrumental in eliminating hazardous railway level crossings and ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency across the network.
The execution and oversight of these 10 proposed ROBs and RUBs will be managed by the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation, a testament to the state’s internal capacity for large-scale infrastructure development. The selection of these projects is based on rigorous parameters, notably the Train and Vehicle Unit (TUV) metric. TUV, a crucial indicator of the average daily volume of trains and vehicles traversing a level crossing, plays a vital role in prioritising areas with high traffic density. This data-driven approach ensures that infrastructure investments are strategically directed towards locations where they will yield the most significant impact on reducing congestion and improving overall utility, thereby meeting both current and future transportation demands.
Beyond the immediate bridge projects, the CRIF funding is earmarked for a broader spectrum of infrastructure enhancements. This includes the construction of essential bypasses and ring roads, designed to divert through-traffic away from congested urban centres, thereby reducing pollution and improving liveability. Furthermore, the fund will support the development of service lanes alongside national highways and facilitate the widening and strengthening of existing roads, particularly those spanning 10 kilometres or more. These comprehensive interventions are crucial for creating a more integrated, resilient, and efficient road network that supports sustainable economic growth and fosters smoother connectivity across the state.
The state government has demonstrated its commitment to these projects by preparing a detailed plan and approving an initial allocation of ₹136 crore towards the end of the last financial year. A critical aspect of these infrastructure developments, land acquisition and utility shifting, will be meticulously handled by the state government. This collaborative approach between central funding and state execution is vital for overcoming potential bottlenecks and ensuring timely project completion. Efficient land acquisition, conducted with transparency and fair compensation, is paramount for equitable development, ensuring that progress benefits all communities without undue displacement or hardship.
The strategic development of these bridges and roads aligns intrinsically with the broader agenda of creating zero net carbon, eco-friendly, sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable cities. By reducing traffic bottlenecks and providing smoother transit, these projects will lead to a measurable decrease in vehicle idling times, consequently lowering fuel consumption and vehicular emissions. This direct contribution to improved air quality and a reduced carbon footprint is vital for urban environmental health. Furthermore, enhanced connectivity fosters greater accessibility to employment centres, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities for all citizens, including women and marginalised groups, thereby promoting social equity and inclusive growth.
The construction, scheduled to commence in the current financial year, marks a significant step towards a more connected and prosperous Uttar Pradesh. These infrastructure investments are not merely about concrete and steel; they are about enhancing the quality of life for millions, stimulating regional economies, and building a foundation for future sustainable development. By systematically addressing critical infrastructure gaps and prioritising efficiency and accessibility, Uttar Pradesh is poised to strengthen its position as a key economic hub, demonstrating how strategic planning can lead to tangible improvements in urban and rural living standards.
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