Bahraich: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has accelerated the process of constructing a four-lane NH-927 from Barabanki to Bahraich at an estimated cost of Rs 6,927 crore. The project is expected to significantly enhance vehicular movement between India and Nepal. The proposal has been sent to the ministry, and financial approval is likely by mid-2026. Once completed, the highway will benefit people of Barabanki, Bahraich, Gonda, Balrampur, and Nepal by substantially reducing travel time. For the construction of the four-lane highway, around 325 hectares of govt and private land will be required, which has already been identified. This land will also be used for developing service lanes alongside the main carriageway. Once completed, the national highway will be capable of handling up to 38,000 light and heavy vehicles for several decades. A key advantage of the project will be a major reduction in travel time, as the 101-kilometre journey to Bahraich, which currently takes several hours, is expected to be completed in just an hour. After receiving approval from the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC), NHAI forwarded the project file to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (govt of India) on Nov 6 last year for final approval, said NHAI project director Nakul Prakash Verma. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 6,927 crore, and the highway will be developed in two phases, Verma added. It is expected that once financial clearance is granted by mid-2026, NHAI will initiate the tendering process and begin construction work. The first phase will cover the Barabanki–Jarwal and Jarwal–Bahraich stretches. The completion of this national highway will provide major relief to commuters and traders in Barabanki, Bahraich, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti and adjoining areas of Nepal.
