Uttar Pradesh’s First Digital Highway
Barabanki – Bahraich Route to Revolutionize Travel
Uttar Pradesh is set to transform travel along the 101-km Barabanki-Bahraich route with the launch of the state’s first digital highway. This ambitious four-lane project will enhance safety, speed, and connectivity for commuters, providing a modernized travel experience.
Key Features of the Digital Highway
The highway’s innovative design includes the integration of optical fiber cables within a three-meter-wide duct, ensuring high-speed internet and seamless mobile services without future excavation needs. Advanced features such as National Permit Register (NPR) cameras and upgraded lighting systems aim to improve nighttime safety and ensure efficient traffic management.
Project Timeline and Connectivity
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated surveys for the project, with construction slated to commence in March 2025. As part of NH-927, the highway will link critical locations, including Lucknow, Shravasti airport, NH-27, and the India-Nepal border, fostering regional connectivity and economic growth.
Addressing Current Challenges
Heavy traffic, frequent delays, and the deteriorating Sanjay Setu bridge have plagued the existing two-lane road. The Mahadeva Corridor’s construction has further strained the route, which sees over 25,000 vehicles daily. The new four-lane addition is designed to alleviate these issues, offering smoother and safer travel for residents and visitors alike.
Economic and Technological Impact
Businesses will have access to optical fibre infrastructure for a nominal fee, boosting digital connectivity in the region. NHAI project director Saurabh Kanaujia highlighted the Barabanki-Bahraich route’s potential as a model for future digital highways, aligning with NHAI’s vision of constructing 10,000 km of digital roads across India, including the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Corridor and the Delhi-Mumbai Motorway.
A Boost for the Region
The digital highway will benefit residents of Barabanki, Bahraich, Gonda, and Balrampur, as well as travelers to Nepal. By easing congestion, improving road safety, and integrating cutting-edge technologies, this project represents a significant leap toward smart infrastructure development in Uttar Pradesh. The Barabanki-Bahraich digital highway is not just a road but a corridor to a smarter, safer, and more connected future for the state.
