TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 11, 2025: The Chhattisgarh government has initiated the process for reconstructing the Koni–Mopka bypass road, a key route connecting industrial hubs and residential zones in the region. A proposal of ₹63.13 crore has been sent to the state government for the construction of a four-lane road to accommodate rising traffic and repair extensive structural damage.
The 13.40-km bypass road, originally constructed between 2010 and 2016 at a cost of ₹21.91 crore, was built following IRC 37-2001 norms, with a design life of 15 years. However, increased vehicular pressure—particularly during 2014–2016 due to damage on the nearby Sakri–Turrakadih–Koni bypass—led to premature deterioration of the road surface and sub-grade.
The road has become a critical artery for heavy industrial traffic from NTPC Sipat, sponge iron factories, and coal washeries, as well as daily urban traffic. As per the latest traffic census, the route currently sees a Commercial Vehicle Per Day (CBPD) of 2,221 and Passenger Car Units (PCU) of 14,903, indicating a traffic density equivalent to 40 MSA—eight times the original design capacity of 5 MSA.
Officials noted that the original road suffered significant structural damage due to waterlogging from surrounding double-cropped agricultural fields, where moisture persists for up to 8–9 months each year. Additionally, the heavy construction traffic during the original build phase further degraded the road’s foundation and embankments.
Given the urgent need to upgrade and reconstruct the bypass, a proposal under budget item BI No. 4797 for FY 2025–26 has been drafted, seeking ₹63.13 crore for the project. The proposal includes a complete overhaul and expansion of the road into a four-lane corridor to accommodate current and future traffic demands.
The proposal is currently under review at the government level, and formal approval is awaited.
Officials emphasized that once approved, the project will not only enhance road safety and reduce congestion but also support economic growth by ensuring smoother movement for industrial and commercial logistics in the Bilaspur region.
