The second phase of the Prayagraj Inner Ring Road project has moved a step closer to execution, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) initiating preparatory work after receiving key approvals from the Centre. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has cleared the preliminary detailed project report (DPR) for Phase II, enabling the project to advance to the next stage of technical planning and administrative clearances, according to a report.Once completed, the new corridor is expected to divert heavy and long-distance traffic away from Prayagraj’s congested city roads, easing pressure on urban infrastructure and improving overall traffic flow.As per project details, Phase II of the Inner Ring Road will span 41.662 km, linking Madhopur village near NH-19 in Soraon tehsil with Amiliya village in Karchana tehsil. The proposed alignment will pass through 41 villages, potentially improving connectivity and opening up development opportunities in several peri-urban areas around the city.Officials said land acquisition is likely to commence within the next six months, following detailed ground surveys and consultations with affected communities. Technical teams will also begin field studies to finalise the road alignment and assess the impact on local settlements.A key highlight of the project is the construction of two major river crossings. These include a 3.5-km-long six-lane bridge over the Ganga and a 1.2-km bridge across the Yamuna. Detailed surveys will be undertaken shortly to determine the precise alignment of these bridges and identify the villages that may be impacted.In addition to the river bridges, the project envisages four flyovers, three railway overbridges and nearly 120 small underground culverts to improve local connectivity and ensure smoother traffic movement. Detailed designs for these structures are currently being prepared and will be submitted to the ministry for final approval.Once the final DPR is cleared, construction work is expected to begin, providing a major infrastructure boost to Prayagraj and its surrounding regions.News source: Swarajya