Summary
The Chandigarh administration is moving forward with a major plan to fix traffic problems between the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) and Sarangpur. A new flyover will be built to help drivers avoid the heavy crowds on the Khuda Lahora road. This project is expected to cost around Rs 90 crore and will provide a much faster route for people traveling through the area. Officials are currently finishing the final paperwork and expect to start looking for construction companies to do the work within the next month.
Main Impact
The biggest change this project will bring is the end of daily traffic jams on one of the city’s most crowded roads. For years, the stretch between PGI and Sarangpur has been a source of frustration for thousands of drivers. By building an elevated road, the city will separate local traffic from vehicles heading toward Mullanpur and other nearby areas. This will not only save time for commuters but also make the area safer for people walking and using public transport. The flyover is designed to act as a direct link that bypasses the most congested parts of the local villages.
Key Details
What Happened
The UT Administration has announced that it is ready to float tenders for the construction of the flyover. This means they will soon invite companies to bid for the job of building the structure. Engineers are currently working on revised cost estimates to make sure the budget is accurate before the work begins. This move follows an announcement made by the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, who highlighted the project as a priority for the city’s infrastructure development.
Important Numbers and Facts
The project includes several specific details that show the scale of the work. The flyover will be 1.3 kilometers long and will feature four lanes to handle a high volume of cars and trucks. The total cost is estimated at nearly Rs 90 crore. While the elevated part is 1.3 kilometers, the entire project area covers about 1.75 kilometers. The plan was originally suggested back in 2020, but it had to be put on hold for several years because of the global pandemic. Now, the project is back on track with updated designs and a clear timeline for starting construction.
Background and Context
To understand why this flyover is so important, one must look at the current state of the Khuda Lahora road. This area has been identified by road safety experts as one of the worst "choking points" in the region. A choking point is a place where traffic slows down or stops completely because the road cannot handle the number of vehicles. Several factors contribute to this mess. There are no proper footpaths, so people have to walk on the road. There is also a school nearby where cars park on the street, making the road even narrower. Additionally, illegal shops and stalls have taken up space that should be used for traffic.
The Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee also played a role in the planning. They wanted to make sure the new bridge did not ruin the look of the city’s famous grid system. Because of this, they asked the engineers to move the flyover slightly away from the main city sectors and closer to the village areas. This ensures that the city’s historical design is protected while still solving the modern problem of traffic congestion.
Public or Industry Reaction
The UT Road Safety Committee has been a strong supporter of this project. They have pointed out that the current road is dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. They noted that auto-rickshaws often stop in the middle of the road to pick up passengers, which blocks everyone else. They also found that many drivers try to make sharp U-turns in areas where it is not safe, leading to accidents. Local residents and regular commuters have expressed relief that the project is finally moving forward, as the daily delays have become a major burden on their lives and work schedules.
What This Means Going Forward
Once the tenders are awarded, construction is expected to begin quickly. However, the flyover is only one part of a larger plan to improve the area. The administration also plans to widen the existing road to 200 feet for traffic heading toward Mullanpur. To make room for walkers, the boundary walls of a local school may be moved back to create space for new footpaths. Workers will also focus on removing illegal encroachments and improving the drainage system so the road does not flood during the rainy season. These steps will ensure that once the flyover is finished, the entire ground-level road system will also work much better than it does today.
Final Take
Building this flyover is a necessary step for a growing city like Chandigarh. By addressing the root causes of traffic jams—such as poor road design and a lack of space for pedestrians—the administration is making the city more livable. While construction may cause some temporary delays, the long-term benefit will be a much smoother and safer journey for everyone traveling between PGI and Sarangpur. This project shows a commitment to modernizing the city's transport system while respecting its unique heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the construction of the PGI-Sarangpur flyover start?
The government plans to start the bidding process for construction companies within a month. Once a company is chosen, work is expected to begin shortly after.
How much will the new flyover cost?
The project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 90 crore. This budget covers the construction of the four-lane elevated road and related improvements to the surrounding area.
How long will the new flyover be?
The elevated section of the flyover will be 1.3 kilometers long. The total project stretch, including the connecting roads, will be about 1.75 kilometers.
