Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 5: A successful trial run on the long-awaited flyover at Nowgam Junction along the Srinagar expressway bypass on NH44 was conducted today, with traffic flowing smoothly on both sides.
This development brings much-needed relief to commuters who have been grappling with severe traffic snarls at this busy junction. The Roads and Buildings Department confirmed that traffic will continue to play the flyover for the next fifteen days as part of a safety protocol before it is officially opened.
“Macadamization is complete on both approaches, and only five percent of work on crash barriers remains, which will be finished within a week. Once all safety standards are met, the flyover will be formally opened,” said Ashiq Ahmad, Executive Engineer, Roads and Buildings Department, Srinagar.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 45 crore, the Nowgam flyover spans 1 kilometer with a four-lane width. It is expected to significantly ease traffic on the national highway.
“The flyover will not only streamline traffic on NH44 but also ease traffic moving towards Pulwama. This is a critical junction that witnesses heavy traffic snarls, and the flyover will be a major relief,” he said.
Regarding the Sanat Nagar flyover, Ashiq explained, “The Sanat Nagar flyover, also costing Rs 45 crores, is on track for completion by December. The substructure is complete, and work on the one-side approach is finished, with girder casting currently underway.”
To reduce congestion at the Bemina, Sanat Nagar, and Nowgam intersections, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) proposed constructing three flyovers along NH44. The Bemina flyover opened last month, and the Nowgam flyover is now operational, completing two of the three projects. This progress contrasts sharply with the Lasjan flyover, which has been under construction for over 15 years.
In addition to these structures, 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. These include a flyover on the Parimpora-Shalteng stretch, a vehicular overpass at Muminabad Junction, and an overhead bridge near the Children’s Hospital in Bemina. MORTH recently announced a Rs 134 crore project under the NH (O) program to alleviate traffic congestion on the Srinagar-Baramulla national highway. The Roads and Buildings Department has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) and submitted it for approval. “We expect formal approval soon so we can proceed to tender the work,” Sajad Ahmad Naqeeb, Chief Engineer of the Roads and Buildings Department for central Kashmir, said.
Highlighting the necessity of these projects, Naqeeb emphasized their strategic locations within the city, which lead to frequent traffic jams. “The project is anticipated to enhance overall transportation efficiency in Srinagar, benefiting both residents and businesses alike,” he said.
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