Uttar Pradesh PWD says road inside Jauhar University is open for public use
The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) has declared the road passing through Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan's Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur
The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) has declared the road passing through Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan's Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur a public road and installed a signboard at the university's main gate stating that it is open for public use. The move has sparked fresh discussions in the district, as the road had remained inaccessible to the general public for several years after the university gates were closed. Read Full Story Jauhar University, considered Azam Khan's flagship project, was developed during the Samajwadi Party government led by Akhilesh Yadav.
According to PWD officials, the department constructed a 3.3-kilometre four-lane cement concrete road from the university's main gate to its interior during 2016-17. The project received administrative approval of around Rs 16 crore, while civil construction worth approximately Rs 13.5 crore was executed. Speaking on the issue, PWD Executive Engineer Kishan Veer Singh said the university management closed the main gate in 2019, preventing public access to the road. He alleged that even PWD officials were denied entry, prompting the department to initiate legal proceedings. According to the official, notices were served to the university authorities, who challenged the matter before the Allahabad High Court.
He said the department later secured relief in a lower court, following which the university obtained a stay order from the High Court. The matter has remained pending, with multiple hearings adjourned over the past few years. Singh said the PWD has now installed a signboard outside the university declaring the stretch a public road, asserting that it was constructed using government funds and is meant for public use. "This is a government road built by the PWD. It connects to Lalpur Dam and is intended for the public. Anyone can use this road," he said, adding that additional signboards would also be installed inside the university premises to inform commuters that the route is a public road.
The Executive Engineer further said the department has deputed officials to pursue an early hearing before the High Court so that a final decision can be taken on whether the university gate should remain in place or be removed. The legal proceedings in the matter are currently pending before the Allahabad High Court. Ends With inputs from Amir Khan
The BriefWire