Somnath: The construction of a 19.5-km bypass on the Jetpur-Somnath four-track highway in Junagadh is still unfinished.

The project for the Junagadh-Jetpur four-track road commenced in 2010, sparking protests from over 200 farmers in Junagadh and Vathli whose lands were to be acquired for the project. They demanded compensation in accordance with the new regulations for their land. In 2019, the government agreed to provide compensation as per their demands. But due to years of delays, the estimated cost of the highway reached Rs 220 crore, which included the Junagadh bypass, a bridge over the Ozat river near Vanthali, and a bridge between Keshod and Vathali.

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the work of the Junagadh bypass road near the Koyki railway crossing took place on June 26, 2019. As of June 26, 2023, it will mark four years since the commencement of this project. However, several tasks, including the construction of an overbridge near Vadal, a railway bridge, slab filling near Nandrakhi, and bridge work on one side of the Ozat river in Vanthali, are still pending completion. DeshGujarat