Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, July 2: The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MORTH) is expected to approve several critical projects along the Srinagar-Baramulla highway by the end of this month, including a flyover on the Parimpora-Shalteng stretch.
The MORTH has recently announced Rs 134 crore project under the NH (O) program to alleviate traffic congestion on the Srinagar-Baramulla national highway. The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and submitted it to MORTH for approval.
“The project comprises a single package: one overhead bridge at the Children’s Hospital, a vehicular overpass at Muminabad Junction, and a 2-kilometer flyover on the Parimpora-Shalteng stretch. We expect formal approval by the end of July so we can proceed to tender the work,” said Sajad Ahmad Naqeeb, Chief Engineer of the R&B Department for Central Kashmir.
Highlighting the necessity of these projects, Ahmad emphasized that they are located at strategic points within the city, leading to frequent traffic jams. “The project is anticipated to enhance overall transportation efficiency in Srinagar, benefiting both residents and businesses alike,” he said.
The proposed flyover will span 2 kilometers and consist of four lanes, connecting Parimpora to Shalteng on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway. The primary objective is to alleviate persistent traffic snarls faced by daily commuters on this stretch.
Local authorities and stakeholders are optimistic about the transformative impact of the Parimpora-Shalteng flyover on the commuting experience. “If this flyover is constructed efficiently, we can expect a significant improvement in the traffic situation within the next two years. This will undoubtedly reshape traffic dynamics in the region,” said Shahid Ahmad, a daily commuter.
The lack of an overhead bridge near the Children’s Hospital has posed severe risks to patients and attendants. The 500-bedded Children’s Hospital in Bemina started functioning in 2022, but the absence of a zebra crossing and overhead bridge outside the hospital has caused immense hardships.
“The lack of an overhead footbridge and zebra crossing forces people to cross the road amid heavy traffic, posing risks to their lives,” said a concerned attendant. He added that it is also difficult for ambulances to reach the hospital in emergencies, as they have to take a U-turn two kilometers ahead of the hospital.
The vehicular overpass at Muminabad Junction is also seen as a project of great importance, as the junction experiences daily traffic jams, making it difficult for commuters to navigate.
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