The Maharashtra government has sanctioned the construction of a bypass road to reduce traffic congestion and pollution near Ellora Caves, a world heritage site, in Aurangabad district, an official said on Monday.

A 1.7-km-long and 15-metre wide bypass will be constructed at the cost of Rs 27.5 crore, the official said. A high-level committee meeting under the chairmanship of the chief secretary was held on Monday, during which Divisional Commissioner Sunil Kendrekar and Collector Astik Kumar Pandey, among other officials, were present.