Centre sanctions Rs 8 cr for repair, tarring of Banjar-Ghiyagi Road

The Central Government has approved Rs 8.19 crore for the repair and tarring of a 10-km stretch of road from Banjar to Ghiyagi on the Aut-Luhri National Highway (NH-305). This decision comes as a relief to tourism entrepreneurs and local residents who had long been demanding improvements to the pothole-ridden and bottleneck-prone highway.

Initially, the National Highway Wing of the Public Works Department (PWD) submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Rs 10 crore for the project. Although the sanctioned amount is slightly less, officials confirmed that the entire width of the road would be tarred, promising smoother and safer travel for commuters and tourists alike.

The improved road will enhance access to popular destinations such as Sojha, Ghiyagi, Jibhi, Jalori Jot, Raghupurgarh, and Saryolsar. It will also facilitate construction work on the proposed tunnel under Jalori Pass, a significant infrastructure project.

Tourism stakeholders, including Rajender Prakash, Heera Lal, Jagdish Thakur, and Lal Chand Thakur, expressed gratitude for the approval, emphasizing the urgent need to address safety concerns caused by potholes. Residents highlighted that the narrow, poorly maintained road had led to frequent traffic jams and accidents. Rakesh, a Jibhi resident, lamented that despite its designation as a national highway nearly a decade ago, the road’s condition remains substandard. He added that residents had been demanding repairs and widening since 2007.

To address long-standing issues, the National Highway Wing has also initiated a phased widening project for the 120-km Aut-Luhri-Sainj NH-305. KL Suman, Executive Engineer of the NH Wing, stated that the alignment was finalized in 2017, and tenders for the Banjar-Ghiyagi stretch will be floated soon.

This development is expected to significantly improve travel conditions, boost tourism, and enhance road safety in the region.