Proposed Four-Lane Bypass from Golambar to Jyoti Chowk Stalled; Tree Felling and Transfer of Alternative Forest Land Become Major Hurdles
City Correspondent: The proposed four-lane bypass road from Golambar to Jyoti Chowk, aimed at improving the city's traffic system, has hit a major roadblock. The ambitious project, spanning approximately 2.5 kilometers, has been delayed due to administrative and environmental challenges. As a result, construction work has yet to begin despite the project's significance for urban transportation.
According to officials, the biggest obstacles are the felling of roadside trees and the pending transfer of alternative land to the Forest Department. Until both processes are completed, construction cannot move forward.
A Key Infrastructure Project for the City's Traffic Network
The proposed four-lane bypass is considered one of the city's most important infrastructure projects. Once completed, it is expected to reduce traffic congestion on major roads and provide significant relief to commuters who regularly face long traffic jams.
At present, the route experiences heavy movement of both passenger and commercial vehicles. Due to the limited road width and increasing traffic volume, congestion has become a daily problem, affecting commuters as well as business activities.
Tree Felling Emerges as the Biggest Challenge
A large number of roadside trees fall within the proposed road expansion area. Under environmental regulations, tree felling cannot be carried out without prior approval from the Forest Department. In addition, the concerned authorities must provide alternative land and fulfill compensatory afforestation requirements before permission is granted.
The delay in completing these formalities has slowed the entire project. Officials stated that permission for tree removal will only be issued after all environmental requirements have been met.
Alternative Land Transfer Yet to Be Completed
Sources said the process of transferring alternative land to the Forest Department remains incomplete. Without the required land transfer, the project is unlikely to receive final environmental clearance.
Administrative officials noted that coordination among the concerned departments is underway to complete the pending formalities as quickly as possible.
Construction Work Remains on Hold
Since the necessary approvals have not yet been obtained, the construction agency has been unable to begin the main work. Although some preliminary preparations have been completed, the actual construction has not started.
This delay could also affect the project's completion timeline. If administrative clearances continue to be delayed, the project may miss its scheduled deadlines.
Citizens Have High Expectations
Local residents believe the four-lane bypass will significantly improve the city's traffic conditions. Thousands of daily commuters are expected to benefit from reduced congestion and shorter travel times.
Business owners also expect better road connectivity to boost commercial activities and contribute to the city's economic growth.
Balancing Development and Environmental Protection
Experts believe that while infrastructure development is essential, environmental conservation must also receive equal importance. This is why compensatory afforestation and the provision of alternative land are mandatory before tree felling is permitted.
According to environmental experts, the approval process is not intended to obstruct development but to ensure that ecological balance is maintained during infrastructure expansion.
Administration Working to Resolve the Issues
According to sources, officials from the concerned departments are holding regular meetings to address the obstacles delaying the project. The administration has prioritized the project and is making efforts to complete all pending approvals at the earliest.
Officials expressed confidence that once the required clearances are obtained, construction work can begin without further delay.
Traffic Pressure Continues to Increase
With the city's expansion and the growing number of vehicles, traffic volume on the Golambar–Jyoti Chowk route continues to rise. Severe traffic congestion during morning and evening peak hours has become increasingly common.
Urban planning experts believe that if the bypass project is delayed further, traffic problems in the area could become even more serious in the coming years.
Long-Term Benefits of the Project
Once completed, the four-lane bypass is expected to ease congestion across several parts of the city. Emergency services will have faster access, freight transportation will become more efficient, and commuters will save considerable travel time.
The project is also expected to improve road safety, reduce fuel consumption, and help lower vehicle emissions by easing traffic bottlenecks.
The proposed 2.5-kilometer four-lane bypass road from Golambar to Jyoti Chowk remains stalled due to delays in obtaining approval for tree felling and completing the transfer of alternative land to the Forest Department. While the administration is working to resolve these issues, construction cannot begin until all mandatory environmental and administrative clearances are secured.
Residents are eagerly awaiting the project's implementation, as it is expected to significantly improve traffic management, reduce congestion, and support the city's long-term urban development. Attention is now focused on how quickly the pending approvals can be completed so that this important infrastructure project can move forward.
