The Uttar Pradesh PWD has installed signboards declaring the 3.3km road inside Jauhar University as a public thoroughfare. This move reopens the long-standing dispute regarding access to the road constructed with government funds.

Key Takeaways

  • UP PWD has declared the road passing through Jauhar University as a public route.
  • The 3.3km four-lane road was constructed in 2016-17 at a cost of approx. ₹13.5 crore.
  • Access had been restricted by the university management since 2019.
  • The legal dispute is currently sub-judice in the Allahabad High Court.

In a significant administrative move, the Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) has officially declared the road passing through the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur as a public route. By installing prominent signboards at the university's main entrance, the department has asserted that the stretch is open for general public use, effectively challenging the long-standing restrictions imposed by the university administration.

Infrastructure Built with Public Funds

The core of the contention lies in the funding and ownership of the infrastructure. According to PWD records, the 3.3-kilometre four-lane cement concrete road was constructed during the 2016-17 period. The project received an administrative approval of approximately INR 16 crore, with the actual civil construction valued at around Rs 13.5 crore. Because the road was built using taxpayer money, the PWD maintains that it cannot be treated as private property by the educational institution.

A History of Access Denied

The conflict escalated in 2019 when the university management closed its main gates, cutting off access to the road that connects to the Lalpur Dam. PWD Executive Engineer Kishan Veer Singh noted that even government officials were denied entry, necessitating legal intervention. While the department initially secured relief from a lower court, the university subsequently obtained a stay order from the Allahabad High Court, leading to a multi-year legal stalemate.

Implications and Legal Outlook

The recent installation of signboards signals the PWD's intent to enforce public rights over the infrastructure. The department has indicated that more signage will be placed within the university premises to ensure commuters are aware of their right to use the route. Moving forward, PWD officials are actively pursuing an expedited hearing in the High Court to reach a definitive resolution regarding the permanent status of the university gate and the road's accessibility. This development is expected to have significant political and legal ramifications in the state of Uttar Pradesh.