Soon, a grand gate to welcome tourists at Chakghat border

Prayagraj: A grand gate is set to enhance the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh depicting the rich culture and traditions of UP to welcome the tourists and vistors entering the state. Constructed at a cost of Rs 2.53 crore at the Chakghat border, the welcome gate is being built as a part of an initiative by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has finalised all preparations, including the tender process and the construction is scheduled to start on May 2, with construction block 3 entrusted with executing the task. Aimed at creating a symbolic and aesthetic gateway, the gate will feature the illuminated slogan ‘You are welcome in UP,' adding a warm touch for visitors entering the state. For environmental sustainability, the area spanning around 100 meters surrounding the gate will be adorned with around 100 plants.

Executive engineer, PWD Naveen Kumar Sharma, confirmed that all the procedural requirements are complete and the groundwork is set for the commencement on May 2. A budget of Rs 2.53 crore has been sanctioned for the project. The budget was approved after Holi and released in the second week of April.

Meanwhile, another major infrastructure project in Prayagraj, of six-lane bridge over the Ganga, is lingering. The 9.90 km long bridge, stretching from Malak Harhar tri-section to Tripathi crossing on Lala Lajpat road, is being constructed at a cost of Rs 1,948.25 crore. Initiated in Feb 2021, the bridge was expected to be completed by Feb 2024.

Around 77% of the work was completed however the project missed its deadline. The constructing agency was granted a one-year extension, with a revised deadline of Feb 2025. The work halted during the Maha Kumbh period in Jan and Feb and was resumed in early April, with current efforts focused on placing 200-meter and 120-meter long spans over the Ganga. Despite the progress, further delays loom.

MD of Singla & Company Sunil Singla, has written to the ministry of road transport and highways requesting an extension until Dec 2026. The letter cites monsoon-induced floods from July to Oct in both 2025 and 2026 as a significant barrier in timely completion. The ministry is yet to respond.

"The work is in progress and we are ensuring that there is no compromise with the quality of work," said project manager, Nusratullah Khan of the ministry of road and transport, under which the ambitious project is being executed.