The road expansion is being carried out along National Highway-146, covering a 16-kilometre stretch from Asharam Tiraha to Ratnagiri Tiraha. The project also includes construction of a flyover in Anand Nagar. As part of the clearance drive, 146 roadside shops have already been removed. Authorities are also relocating three religious structures, a ward office, and a police outpost that fall within the project alignment.
With commercial and institutional structures already shifted, attention has now turned to residential clusters along the corridor. In Kesar Basti, where families say they have lived for decades, preparations are underway to clear the settlement.
Local Congress leaders, including Ravindra Sahu Jhumarwala, Mohit Saxena, and Ritesh Soni, visited the site to assess the situation and express support for residents. Sahu said many families have lived in the area for nearly 50 years. “Development is important, but it should not come at the cost of rendering poor families homeless,” he said.
Residents say the notices have created anxiety, as neither compensation details nor relocation sites have been formally communicated. Many claim they are willing to cooperate with the project but insist that eviction should follow proper rehabilitation measures.
Community members have urged the administration to first provide alternative housing or land allotments before carrying out demolitions. They also seek fair compensation for loss of homes and livelihoods.
Officials have yet to publicly outline a rehabilitation timeline. Meanwhile, families continue to appeal for a solution that balances infrastructure development with humane resettlement
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