Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, July 9: The construction of the second phase of the Lasjan Bypass Flyover on the outskirts of Srinagar has been experiencing delays, causing the project to miss its June deadline despite ample funding.
Approximately 90 percent of the 560-meter-long Flyover, which is being executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.03 crore, has been completed. However, the remaining portion of the project is progressing slowly for reasons that are currently unknown, leading to the missed deadline.
“Earlier, the site experienced significant traffic congestion, which caused distractions. However, we addressed this issue by opening a rotary way adjacent to the flyover, which has improved the traffic flow. Despite this, we were unable to meet the deadline,” an official familiar with the matter stated.
The construction of this flyover has been ongoing for the past 10 years, plagued by various issues such as a lack of funds and technical incompetence on the part of the executing agency. The project was initiated in 2011 by RAMKY Infrastructure, but multiple missed deadlines prompted the Government to award the contract for the unfinished work to Gawar Construction Limited in August 2020.
Strategically located at a crucial intersection on the highway near the Lasjan area, the flyover was constructed following the new alignment of NH44 from Pampore to the Lasjan Bypass. “Its purpose was to create a grade separation for more efficient traffic flow. Once completed, the grade separator will significantly alleviate traffic congestion for commuters heading towards Baramulla and the Pampore Bypass,” an official said.
Commuters have eagerly anticipated the completion of the flyover due to the heavy traffic volume from both the southern and northern sides of the Valley at the intersection. They believed that the completion of the second phase will fully resolve the traffic issues at the junction, building upon the benefits brought about by the opening of the first segment. “The traffic at the junction has improved a lot, but with the completion of the second phase, all the traffic issues will be solved,” a local said.
Regional Officer of NHAI, Indresh Kumar, did not respond to the delay in the completion of the project.
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