A government proposal to construct four small flyovers (grade separators) along Bypass here has been reportedly put in a “cold storage,” an official told Kashmir Post on Friday.
He said that Roads and Buildings department had submitted the proposal seeking funding for the construction of small flyovers along Bypass at four intersections— Sanat Nagar, Nowgam, Bemina and Shalteng to ease the traffic movement along the highway.
The proposal, according to the official, was cleared by then Road and Buildings minister, Syed AltafBukhari, whose portfolio was later changed.
“He (Altaf Bukhari) was keen to get funding for the project from the Centre as the state didn’t have funds to bear cost of construction of four flyovers,” the official added.
He said even detailed project report for the construction of four flyovers was drafted during Bukhari’s tenure.
He said following pursuance by the then minster and the then chief engineer R&B Kashmir, Satish Razdan, the proposal was submitted to the National Highways Authority of India which passed it to the central road funds for funding.
“However, both the minister and the chief engineer were shifted affecting the progress. With the passage of time, this proposal has been put in cold storage,” said another official wishing anonymity.
As per the proposal, the construction was aimed to remove traffic congestion along the highway and also decrease the number of road accidents which are frequently witnessed on the important road corridor.
“The road corridor witness huge number of vehicles coming from northern and southern parts of Kashmir. It also witnesses frequent movement of the vehicles of the government forces. For passage of these vehicles, the civilian traffic movement is stopped for half an hour or so,” the proposal states.
The proposed project is part of the long term plan of the state government to improve urban transport facility in the summer capital. “Considering the existing traffic demand and future growth of traffic, there is need for a four grade separated facility on this road,” it adds.
Chief engineer, R&B Kashmir, Sheikh Abdul Hamid told Kashmir Post that the project is in infancy stage. “We are working on the preparing DPR for the project which would be then submitted to the central government.”
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