Lucknow's Ayodhya Road Elevated Corridor Project Suspended for Comprehensive Review
The much-anticipated elevated road project planned for Ayodhya Road in Lucknow has been officially put on hold by the state government. In a significant move, the Uttar Pradesh administration has instructed the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) to thoroughly examine alternative measures to tackle the persistent traffic congestion plaguing this crucial corridor.
Detailed Traffic Study Ordered to Guide Future Action
The LDA is now mandated to conduct an exhaustive and detailed traffic study. This analysis will encompass critical parameters including current vehicle volume, peak-hour traffic flow patterns, pressure points at major junctions, and scientifically projected future traffic load estimates. Upon completion, this comprehensive report will be submitted to the state government, which will then make the final decision on the most effective measures to alleviate traffic woes in the area.
Scope and Challenges of the Proposed Elevated Road
The now-suspended project envisioned an 8-kilometer-long, six-lane elevated road stretching from the Polytechnic crossing to the Indira Canal. This corridor was designed to pass through densely populated residential and commercial zones, notably areas like Indiranagar and its surrounding localities, which have been experiencing a steady increase in traffic pressure.
The project's complexity was heightened by several formidable challenges. The proposed alignment would have necessitated the demolition of numerous residential and commercial structures. Additional complications included extensive land acquisition requirements, the intricate process of shifting existing utilities, coordination with both the proposed and currently operational metro line infrastructure, and significant rehabilitation issues for displaced residents and businesses.
Government Seeks Feasible Alternatives
In light of these complexities, the state government has explicitly asked the LDA to prepare a report detailing feasible alternatives to the elevated corridor concept. Among the options now under serious consideration are the construction of targeted flyovers at major traffic crossings along Ayodhya Road. This shift in strategy indicates a move towards potentially less disruptive and more modular solutions to decongest the vital thoroughfare.
The pause reflects a prudent approach by the authorities, prioritizing a data-driven assessment and exploring all possible avenues before committing to a large-scale infrastructure project with substantial social and economic implications.
