Junagadh: The Gujarat government has granted administrative approval for the widening and modernisation of the Khadia-Bilkha road, a key route connecting Junagadh to Sasan Gir, with an estimated allocation of Rs. 57 crore.

The project, undertaken by the state Roads and Buildings Department, aims to ease rising traffic congestion on the busy Junagadh-Khadia-Bilkha-Mendarda-Sasan corridor while also strengthening measures for the protection of lions and other wildlife in the Gir region.

Officials said vehicular movement on the route has increased significantly in recent years due to growing local traffic and tourist movement towards Gir. At present, the road is a two-lane stretch, but considering future traffic requirements, the department proposed widening the road into a four-lane corridor.

The government has granted in-principle and technical approval for the project, and the required financial allocation has also been sanctioned.

Under the project, the existing road will be upgraded into a four-lane carriageway with a central divider and paved shoulders on both sides. Authorities said the geological survey required for the project has already been completed.

Officials added that the road expansion project is expected to improve connectivity between Junagadh and Gir while helping regulate traffic movement in wildlife-sensitive areas to reduce risks to Asiatic lions and other animals. DeshGujarat