Ayodhya Overbridge Eases Traffic, But Night Travel Faces Hurdles
The Halakara Ka Purwa overbridge, situated on the Panchkosi Parikrama Marg in Ayodhya, has become a vital lifeline for local commuters. By eliminating the heavy traffic congestion previously caused by the railway crossing, the bridge has significantly improved connectivity to Darshannagar.
A Massive Infrastructure Boost
This four-lane infrastructure project spans a total length of 974.62 meters. The project received revised construction approval on October 11, 2023, marking a major step in the region's transit development.
The scale of investment for this project is substantial:
- Standalone Cost: The construction of the Halakara Ka Purwa overbridge alone is estimated at approximately ₹188.93 crore.
- Combined Investment: When including the Modaha overbridge, the total cost for both projects reaches about ₹398.17 crore.
Strict Deadlines for Completion
To ensure the project stayed on track, District Magistrate Nitish Kumar had issued specific directives to the Setu Nigam in June 2024. The Deputy Project Manager was instructed to maintain high quality and adhere to a strict completion deadline of December 31, 2024.
The Darkness Dilemma: Maintenance Concerns
While the bridge has been operational for several months as of March 2026, it is currently facing significant maintenance challenges that affect commuters during the night.
Faulty Lighting and Safety Risks
Although the bridge provides excellent daytime transit, residents and officials have raised alarms regarding the lack of illumination. The decorative lighting installed by the Development Authority has remained non-functional, leaving the bridge in significant darkness after sunset.
The responsibility for the lighting falls under the jurisdiction of the Nagar Nigam (Municipal Corporation), yet the issue has persisted since the bridge was first opened to the public.
As commuters continue to rely on this 974.62-meter stretch, the lack of functional street lighting remains a pressing concern for the safety of those traveling through the area at night.