Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Dec 6: The much-awaited Sanat Nagar flyover along the Srinagar expressway bypass on NH44 is expected to open for traffic in April next year.
To ease congestion at the Bemina, Sanat Nagar and Nowgam intersections, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) proposed constructing three 3.23-kilometer flyovers along NH44 in 2020.
While the Bemina and Nowgam flyovers are already operational, the Sanat Nagar project faced delays, primarily due to a prolonged approval process by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which took nearly two years.
“The construction of the other grade separators progressed quickly, but the work on the Sanat Nagar flyover was delayed due to approval issues,” an official from the Roads and Buildings Department said. He added that the delay was likely caused by the need to relocate significant utilities along the route.
Chief Engineer of the Roads and Buildings Department, Sajjad Naqeeb, confirmed that the Sanat Nagar flyover, which is coming up at the cost Rs 45 crore, is on track for completion by April 2025. “The work is moving swiftly, and the project will be open to the public by then,” he said.
The Sanat Nagar intersection has long been a source of frustration for commuters due to frequent and lengthy traffic bottlenecks.
“We appreciate the focus on addressing the issues at these crossings. Unlike other delayed projects, we hope the Sanat Nagar flyover will be completed on schedule,” Idrees Ahmad, a local commuter, said.
He added that the new flyover would reduce travel time and improve traffic flow at this junction.
With the completion of this project the major bottleneck on Srinagar expressway bypass will be removed. Another project costing Rs 133 cr has been sanctioned for Srinagar bypass which will further ease out the traffic snarls.
The project comprises a single package including one overhead bridge at the Children’s Hospital, a vehicular overpass at Muminabad Junction, and a 2-kilometer flyover on the Parimpora-Shalteng stretch.
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