In a move to further modernise and streamline Gorakhpur's road infrastructure, the Municipal Corporation has proposed the development of two major roads as ‘smart roads’ under the Chief Minister Green Road Infrastructure Development (CM GRID) Urban Scheme. A proposal worth approximately Rs 71 crore has been sent to the state government for approval.
Mayor Dr Mangalesh Srivastava and Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Singh Sogarwal have written to the Chief Executive Officer of the state’s urban infrastructure development agency, stressing the need to strengthen the city’s traffic system and ensure smooth movement for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other VIPs.
As per the proposal, the road stretching from Bharat Petrol Pump in Raptinagar (Ward No. 80) to the Hydel T-junction will be redeveloped. Though the stretch is only 470 metres long, a budget of around Rs 15.30 crore has been proposed, considering its strategic importance and future requirements. The road has a width of 24 metres.
The second and larger component of the project focuses on the Transport Nagar area. An approximately 1,800-metre-long stretch, from TDM T-junction to Transport Nagar intersection, and further via Transport Nagar Rain Basera Road and Vending Zone Road to NH-28, has been proposed for smart road development at an estimated cost of Rs 55 crore. Given Transport Nagar’s commercial significance, the project is expected to ease traffic movement for goods vehicles and provide relief to traders. The road has a right-of-way (ROW) of 15 to 18 metres.
Under the CM GRID scheme, the roads will be developed with modern infrastructure, including separate underground ducts for electrical cables and pipelines to prevent repeated digging. The plan also includes pedestrian-friendly footpaths, plantations along the roadsides, modern street lighting, and clear directional signage.
Chief Engineer of the Municipal Corporation Amit Kumar Sharma said the proposal has been forwarded to the government, and work will begin once approval is granted.