Udaipur, November 5,2024 - Thirteen years after the initial notification, the fourth phase of the Swaroopganj to Banswara (927-A) National Highway is set to commence. This phase will develop a 148 km stretch between Swaroopganj, Kotda, and Kherwada. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has allocated an estimated budget of Rs 1800 crore for this project. A private consultant firm has been engaged to assist with land acquisition and to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR). 

New Highway Specifications

According to the latest plans, the new highway will be two lanes wide, measuring 7 meters across. There will be 1.5-meter-wide shoulders on both sides. The private firm is expected to complete the DPR for land acquisition within the next four months. The DPR will focus on ensuring that most of the land used is government-owned, while avoiding wildlife habitats, forest land, and hilly areas.

Progress and Future Steps

The work order for the DPR was issued in September 2024. The goal is for the firm to finish the DPR on time. Once completed, the documentation will be sent to Delhi, where the Ministry of Transport will oversee the next steps.

Completion of Previous Phases

In prior phases, the NHAI has nearly completed 127 km of road work from Kherwada via Sagwara (Dungarpur) to Banswara, costing around Rs 650 crore. Currently, some areas, including a bypass in Banswara, are under construction. Traffic has already started using this route, which includes a 30-kilometer section completed shortly after the initial notification.

Gujarat Land Concerns

There are concerns about a 2 to 5 km portion of the road that falls within the Gujarat border in the Kotda block. The NHAI is working to keep the highway away from the Gujarat boundary to prevent project delays. If the highway crosses into Gujarat, land acquisition would be managed by the Gujarat government, potentially causing hold-ups. Therefore, the DPR preparation company has been instructed to avoid the Gujarat border.

Source: Media Source