• By Kamakshi Bishnoi
  • Wed, 19 Mar 2025 04:53 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Several major development projects in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushami district remain unfinished due to various obstacles, causing inconvenience to residents. One such project is the construction of a four-lane road from Civil Airport to the Buddhist excavation site in Kaushambi Vikas Khand, Prayagraj, which began in 2022. 

The target for completion was set for Maha Kumbh in January 202. However, only 60 per cent of the work has been completed so far. While officials claim the project will be finished by June, the current pace of work suggests that meeting this deadline will be challenging.  

The project, which started in September 2022, involves the construction of a 42.15 km road—10.1 km in Prayagraj, managed by the Public Works Department (PWD), and 32.05 km in Kaushambi, overseen by the PWD Construction Division. The total cost of the project, including land acquisition and farmer compensation, is estimated at Rs 464 crore. Despite three months passing since the December 2024 deadline, nearly 40 per cent of the work remains unfinished. 

READ MORE: Prayagraj Schools Update: 12-Week 'Vidya Pravesh' Program For Class 1 Students To Enhance Learning

While residents blame the delay on negligence by officials and the implementing agency, authorities cite delays in securing permissions and land acquisition as key reasons. The Forest Ministry’s late approval for tree cutting in a 10.5 km stretch from Tilhapur turn to Sarai Akil in Nevada caused significant setbacks. Additionally, out of 10,000 affected farmers, only 6,000 have received compensation, leaving land disputes unresolved.  

The Forest Department has now accelerated tree-cutting efforts, and the land acquisition process is ongoing. Officials assert that the project will be completed by June once these issues are resolved.

Dayashankar Yadav, Executive Engineer, PWD Construction Division, said, “The delay in the four-lane road project is due to both land acquisition issues and delayed permission for tree cutting in forest areas. Tree removal is now progressing rapidly, and land acquisition is ongoing. We expect to complete the work by June.”