NHAI gets green nod for Rs 1,246-crore UP road upgradation project

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has received environment clearance for updgrading the 146-km long carriageway of Kanpur (Chakeri) to Allahabad section of NH-2 in Uttar Pradesh at a cost of Rs 1,246 crore.

"Based on the recommendation of the Expert Appraisal Committee, the Environment Ministry yesterday gave environment clearance to the NHAI's proposal 'Rehabilitation and Upgradation of existing carriageway of Kanpur (Chakeri) to Allahabad section of NH-2'," a senior government official said.

The approval has been given subject to the compliance of the specific and general conditions, the official said.

The total cost of the project would be Rs 1,246 crore.

The total length of the proposed road section is 145.31 km, which passes through three districts — Kanpur (23.7 km), Fatehpur (90.33 km) and Kaushambi (32.2 km) in UP.

According to the proposal, the road will be widened to six lanes with 10.5-metre carriageway width on either side, 1.5-metre wide paved shoulder and 2-metre wide earthen shoulder. Service roads will also be widened in the build-up sections.

The upgradation of this section would involve construction of three flyovers, two toll plazas, one major bridge, eight new and minor bridges and 176 culverts, among others.

Among conditions specified, NHAI has been asked to construct suitable over-bridges in Sarsoul and other villages where road crossing is an issue.

Since 12,305 trees are likely to be affected due to six laning, the company has been asked to take adequate measures to build green belt.