Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved the development of a 34-km stretch from Sikandarpur to Ballia into a four-lane highway, a move expected to greatly enhance regional connectivity.

According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), this highway will not only ease traffic congestion but also cut down travel time for commuters. Currently, it takes almost two hours to travel between Sikandarpur and Ballia due to heavy traffic, but the new road design aims to reduce this by at least half an hour. The project is also anticipated to boost economic activities in the region. NHAI plans to construct bypasses at three major locations—Khejuri, Khadsara, and Sukhpura, to help reduce accidents and congestion.

Ballia MP Ramashankar Rajbhar highlighted that the increase in vehicles has caused frequent road accidents, adding that this project will provide much-needed relief to travellers. Construction is expected to begin later this year and is expected to bring significant improvements to the local infrastructure.