Bahraich: Divisional commissioner of Devipatan division, Durga Shakti Nagpal, has initiated efforts to strengthen road connectivity between the Devipatan and Ayodhya divisions, emphasising the renovation of National Highway 330 and the widening of a 19.2-km stretch of State Highway 30 in Gonda district.The Ayodhya-Gonda-Balrampur section of NH-330 is a key route connecting several districts. Its last comprehensive renovation was carried out in 2020-21. Although patchwork repairs have been undertaken periodically since then, the road surface has deteriorated, causing difficulties for motorists and daily commuters.Once completed, the works are expected to benefit education, healthcare, trade, transportation and other economic activities across the region. Improved road infrastructure will also strengthen inter-district connectivity and support the social and economic development of adjoining areas.The commissioner has written to the Government of India, the principal secretary of the Uttar Pradesh public works department (PWD), and the secretary of the road transport and highways ministry, seeking action on the proposed projects. The initiatives aim to improve road conditions, ease traffic congestion, enhance road safety and accelerate regional development.Considering the highway’s condition and increasing traffic burden, Nagpal has urged the authorities to undertake comprehensive renovation and maintenance work. An estimate for a performance-based maintenance contract has already been submitted. The proposed renovation is expected to improve driving conditions and provide safer, smoother journeys for commuters.The commissioner has also sought the widening of a 19.2-km stretch of the Bahraich-Faizabad-Azamgarh Road, designated as State Highway 30, in Gonda district.The proposal covers the stretch between chainage 42.900 and 62.100, where the existing road width of seven metres is proposed to be increased to 10 metres.The corresponding section of the highway in Bahraich district has already been widened. Expanding the remaining stretch in Gonda would ensure uniform road width and improve connectivity between adjoining areas.The road is an important transport link for the Gonda Sadar and Katra Bazar assembly constituencies and serves regular commuters travelling between Bahraich, Shrawasti and Ayodhya.The route experiences considerable traffic pressure due to the frequent movement of heavy vehicles carrying construction materials. Several public facilities, including the Gonda Sadar tehsil, Gonda municipality, educational institutions, healthcare centres and Kotwali police station, are located along or near the road. The proposed widening is expected to facilitate traffic management, reduce travel difficulties and improve road safety.The proposed widening of state highway 30 received approval from the expenditure finance committee on September 17, 2026. However, the project still requires administrative and financial sanctions before implementation. The divisional commissioner has initiated correspondence with the concerned authorities to expedite the remaining approval process.
