The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) has declared the 3.3-km road inside Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur a public road, installing signboards at the main gate to assert public access rights. The move follows years of restricted entry after the university, linked to Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, closed its gates in 2019.
PWD road construction and funding details
The PWD constructed the four-lane cement concrete road between 2016-17 with administrative approval of Rs 16 crore. Civil construction costs reached approximately Rs 13.5 crore, according to department records.
Legal dispute over road access
PWD Executive Engineer Kishan Veer Singh stated the university management blocked public and official access after 2019, prompting legal action. Notices were issued, leading to a court battle that saw the university secure a stay order from the Allahabad High Court after initial relief was granted to the PWD in a lower court.
Current status and next steps
The department has now installed signboards declaring the road public, citing its government funding and purpose as a connector to Lalpur Dam. Additional signage will be placed inside the premises. Officials are pursuing an early High Court hearing to determine whether the university gate should remain or be removed.
The legal proceedings remain pending before the Allahabad High Court.
