Rampur: The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) has declared the 3-kilometre four-lane road passing through Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur a public road, reaffirming its right-of-way by installing signboards at the university’s main entrance stating that the route is open for unrestricted public use.
Constructed by the PWD during the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party government in 2016-17 at a cost of approximately ₹17.16 crore, the cement concrete road connects the university’s main gate to its rear exit and provides access to Lalpur Dam. The road traverses the 450-acre university campus.
According to PWD officials, public access was curtailed in 2019 after the university administration closed the main gate, preventing not only commuters but also departmental officials from using the road.
PWD Executive Engineer Kishan Veer Singh said the department has now installed boards identifying the stretch as an “Aam Rasta” (Public Road) to reaffirm its public status. He noted that while civil works worth around ₹13.5 crore were executed, the remaining project cost covered taxes and other associated expenditures.
The issue has been the subject of prolonged litigation. After the department’s petition was dismissed in one court, the PWD secured a favourable order from a lower court. The university subsequently obtained a stay from the Allahabad High Court, where the matter has remained pending since 2021-22, with several hearings but no final verdict.
Singh said the High Court had directed the university to deposit 30 per cent of the amount related to alleged damage to the road, while the question of retaining or removing the gate remains under judicial consideration. A junior engineer has been assigned to pursue an early hearing before the High Court.
Emphasising that the road was built with public funds and is maintained by the PWD, Singh said the department will install additional signboards within the campus to reinforce its status as a public thoroughfare. He added that members of the public are free to use the road without restriction.
