Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Dec 13: The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, announced today that three critical flyovers at Sanat Nagar, Nowgam, and Bemina junctions along the Srinagar expressway bypass on NH44 are scheduled to be completed by April 2024.
While addressing the media, Bidhuri said that the work on these infrastructure projects has been expedited in light of Chilai Kalan, the 40-day harsh winter period in Kashmir, and significant progress has been made so far. “Before the onset of Chila Kalan, we have made substantial progress, and because of that, we expect to complete the flyovers by March-April next year and dedicate them to the people,” he said.
In response to the inconvenience faced by people due to the ongoing construction works, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir mentioned that they have already instructed the traffic police department to exercise extra caution at these junctions.
“Due to the narrowness of the roads, there are many bottlenecks causing inconvenience to the public. We have urged the traffic police to be extra careful, and by March or April next year, people should be able to use these flyovers,” he assured.
To alleviate traffic congestion at crucial intersections, including Bemina, Sanat Nagar, and Nowgam, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) recommended the construction of three 3.23 km flyovers in Srinagar along NH-44, estimated to cost approximately 100 crores in 2020. These crossings have been a constant concern for commuters, who are often stuck for hours in traffic jams.
Residents express optimism about the projects, anticipating improved transportation in Srinagar, which witnesses a substantial flow of vehicles from north to south Kashmir. “We are pleased that action is being taken at these junctions. The projects should adhere to the timeline and not face delays, unlike other developmental works in the region,” Sameer Ahmad, a commuter, said.
Addressing plans to streamline traffic at Natipora junction, a notorious spot for daily traffic jams, Bidhuri said that they have surveyed all trouble spots and instructed the relevant agencies to address them. “Not only Natipora, but we have also surveyed all the congestion points, taking steps under the smart city project or the national highway project. The outer roads are also being addressed with the assistance of the beacon,” he added.
Bidhuri also mentioned that the flyover under construction at Botingo in the Bijbihara area of South Kashmir is expected to be completed by December 31st. “The most crucial flyover for us is the Botniga crossing in Bijbihara in South Kashmir, where earthwork is currently underway. Although the initial November 15th deadline could not be met, NHAI has assured that two-way traffic will be operational on the flyover by December 31st,” he said.
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