Chandigarh: The Haryana government is examining five financial models to fund bypass projects aimed at decongesting National Highways passing through urban areas, with a decision on the state’s contribution to be taken on a project-specific basis.Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa said the government would assess the financial implications of each model before selecting the most suitable option, balancing the need to expedite infrastructure development with safeguarding the state’s financial interests.The issue was discussed at a recent meeting chaired by chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, which deliberated on the ministry of road transport and highways’ policy for decongesting National Highways passing through cities. The govt has decided against adopting a uniform funding arrangement for all projects, opting instead to assess the requirements, estimated costs and financial viability of individual bypasses.Five models on the tableThe five options under consideration include an upfront contribution towards project costs, sharing land acquisition expenses, sharing land acquisition costs along with reimbursement of the state’s GST component, providing land through land pooling, and Value Capture Financing (VCF). The models will be examined for their suitability, financial implications and implementation mechanisms before a project-wise framework is finalised.The exercise is aimed at identifying a viable funding arrangement that allows bypass projects to move forward without placing an undue financial burden on the state exchequer.Multiple bypass projects in focusThe financial assessment covers bypass projects in Hisar, Kurukshetra and Narnaul, besides the four-lane Jind Bypass and bypasses at Sohna and Palwal. Determining the state’s share in land acquisition costs is a key part of the exercise, with officials also required to assess other project-related expenses while finalising the funding arrangements. Gangwa said the state would examine the financial requirements of each project before deciding on the appropriate model.Five-department panel to vet optionsA committee comprising senior officers from the departments of Public Works, Finance, Town and Country Planning, Excise and Taxation, and Urban Local Bodies will examine the proposed financial models. The panel will assess their suitability, financial implications and implementation mechanisms on a project-wise basis. The initiative seeks to develop a practical funding framework for bypasses that can divert traffic away from congested urban stretches of National Highways, ease pressure on city roads and facilitate smoother movement of vehicles. The final financial arrangement for each project will be determined after the committee’s assessment