Delay in Six-Lane Highway Project Approval Raises Concerns

The six-lane national highway project connecting Barabanki and Bahraich has received cabinet approval but is stalled due to pending forest department permissions. Originally set to start in October 2026, the project faces delays as over 9,000 trees are at risk of removal, prompting discussions about route adjustments. The National Highways Authority insists on maintaining the current alignment to avoid significant cost increases and displacement of homes. With an estimated cost of ₹6,969 crores, the project aims to boost trade with Nepal and enhance tourism access. However, ongoing bureaucratic processes raise concerns about whether the project can meet its timeline.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 30, 2026, 22:27 IST

Cabinet Approval Yet to See Action

The proposed six-lane national highway connecting Barabanki to Bahraich has received cabinet approval, but work has yet to commence due to pending necessary permissions from the forest department.

Project Timeline and Forest Clearance

Originally slated to begin in October 2026, the project has faced delays, with multiple correspondences between January and April 2026 failing to secure final approval from the forest department. Reports indicate that a section of the highway will traverse a protected forest area, encompassing approximately 70 hectares.

Environmental Concerns and Route Adjustments

The proposed route will extend from Mustafabad to Kaisarganj and ultimately to Bahraich. The forest department has raised concerns that over 9,000 trees will be affected, necessitating their removal. Consequently, they are recommending alterations to the route.

Highway Authority's Position

In contrast, the National Highways Authority of India argues that the current alignment has already received high-level approval. Any changes could lead to the highway passing through urban areas, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of homes and a significant increase in project costs.

Project Financials

The estimated cost of the entire project is around ₹6,969 crores, with approximately ₹3,485 crores allocated for construction and about ₹1,574 crores for land acquisition. This initiative will be executed under a hybrid annuity model, facilitating collaboration between private and public sectors.

Reforestation and Compensation Plans

Officials have proposed a tenfold increase in tree planting to compensate for the trees affected in the forest area. Additionally, compensation will be provided for the relevant land. According to forest department data, there are around 35,000 trees in the area, including approximately 9,300 large trees.

Broader Implications of the Project

The significance of this project extends beyond connecting two districts; it is expected to enhance trade linked to the Nepal border. The route through Rupaidiah is anticipated to invigorate commercial activities between India and Nepal.

Tourism Potential

Moreover, this highway is considered crucial for tourism, as it will facilitate easier access to forest tourism sites like Katerniaghat, Dudhwa, and Sohailwa, as well as religious destinations such as Ayodhya, Devi Patan, and Shravasti. The travel time from Lucknow to Bahraich is expected to reduce significantly to about one and a half hours.

Concerns Over Project Delays

However, ongoing processes between the forest department and the highway authority have raised concerns about potential delays in the project's commencement. Officials have indicated that the file is pending at the state level, and the central government has been informed of the situation.

Future Uncertainty

The pressing question remains whether this ambitious project can be completed on schedule if delays in forest clearance and land acquisition persist. Only time will reveal the outcome.