• Source:JND

The Belrayan-Panwari state highway, Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, connecting Orai to Mahoba will undergo repair work on the bridge over the Betwa River near Muhana, beyond Dakor. The bridge will remain closed from February 5 to March 16, 2026, halting all traffic and significantly increasing travel distances and costs. Drivers heading to Rath and Chikasi in Hamirpur will now have to use the Bundelkhand Expressway.

The bridge, located on the Orai-Rath route, has several exposed reinforcement bars, and the road surface is damaged, prompting urgent repairs. The closure will cut off Chikasi and nearby areas from Orai, forcing travelers to take a longer route.

ALSO READ: Meerut Ganga Ghats Witness Release Of Over 1,600 Turtles; Experts Highlight Ecological Importance

Currently, the 15 km journey between Dakor and Chikasi takes about 30 minutes. During the closure, travelers must cover 87 km via Rath and the Bundelkhand Expressway, extending the journey to roughly four hours. Motorcyclists, pedestrians, school children, and teachers commuting from Orai to Chikasi will be particularly affected.

Villages Impacted

The closure will affect about 40 villages, including Chikasi, Hardua, Badera, Sujguba, Makrecha, Mangrauth, Rahak, Churaha, Rihuta, Atarra, Sikraundha, Gohand, Rawatpura, Kumaria, Itai, Jigni, Bilrayan, and Barauli. Residents have requested pedestrian access during the repair period.

Traffic and Transport Disruptions

Approximately 1,500 vehicles, including buses and trucks, use the Muhana bridge daily, connecting Jalaun, Hamirpur, and Mahoba. The closure will impact about 10 bus services from Mahoba to Delhi, as well as local buses traveling via Rath and Dakor.

Impact on Sand Mining Operations
Three sand mines in Chikasi on the Betwa River will face operational challenges. Trucks and dumpers transporting sand via the Orai-Rath road and Muhana bridge will now need to take longer routes via the Bundelkhand Expressway, increasing fuel and toll expenses.

Alternative Routes and Toll Details

Vehicles can use two alternative routes:

From Rath to Hamirpur via National Highway 42, through Ingui Dhanouri, then the Bundelkhand Expressway to Dakor.

From Gohand on the Bilraya-Panwari road via National Highway 130 and the Chandaut bridge.

According to Bundelkhand Expressway toll manager Viresh Singh, toll charges for a 50 km journey will be:

Rs 50 for two- and three-wheelers

Rs 100 for cars

Rs 155 for LCVs

Rs 310 for trucks

ALSO READ: 'No Talks With India So Far': Russia Pushes Back On Trump's Claim Over Russian Oil Imports

Rs 475 for heavy vehicles

Rs 615 for other large vehicles

A 20-25 percent discount will be available for return journeys within 24 hours.


Also In News