Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh Four-Lane Road Project Gets Green Light, Construction to Begin Soon
The long-pending four-lane road project from Bhaniyawala to Rishikesh (21 km) has finally cleared a major hurdle. The forest department has approved the cutting of over 3,000 trees, paving the way for construction to begin in March 2025.
Forest Department Grants Permission for Tree Cutting
To make way for the four-lane expansion, the forest department has sanctioned the felling of 3,357 trees, including Sal, Kanjoo, Rohini, and Haldu. With forest land transfer now approved, road construction is expected to commence soon.
Project Gets Over ₹700 Crore Budget Approval
The project had been stuck for years due to delays in forest land clearance. Now, with the central government sanctioning a budget of over ₹700 crore, things are finally moving forward. The project involves cutting trees in the dense forest stretch from Ranipokhri to Rishikesh and constructing a 5-km elevated road in the region.
Better Traffic Flow & Infrastructure Upgrade
Apart from the 5-km elevated road, the project also includes straightening seven sharp curves, making travel smoother and safer. NHAI site engineer Rohit Panwar confirmed that construction tenders have already been finalized, and work is likely to begin by March.
Relief from Traffic Jams
Currently, long traffic jams are a common problem when turning from Bhaniyawala towards Rishikesh, especially at the seven sharp turns. This four-lane expansion is expected to ease congestion and improve connectivity.
The 20-km-long project passes through both urban (10 km) and forested (10 km) areas, making it a crucial development for the region’s infrastructure and transportation.
