Chandigarh: PU-PGI underpass project hits a bump

Dushyant Singh Pundir

Chandigarh, April 10

The construction of the much-awaited underpass between Panjab University (PU) and the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) to ease pedestrian movement has hit a roadblock with both institutions refusing to part with land for the project.

Required to build pedestrian ramps

• The Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee had asked UT to request PGI & PU to spare part of their land to facilitate entry/exit points for underpass
• Extra land on both campuses would have allowed construction of ramps and eased movement of pedestrians; however, both have turned down the request
• Officials say they will now urge the panel to move ahead with the space available on both sides of the road; panel will, however, take the final call

During a meeting on March 4, the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee had directed the UT Administration to request the authorities of both institutions to spare a small section of land on respective premises to facilitate creation of entry and exit points for the underpass and allow more space for pedestrian movement.

However, both have turned down the request, said an official of the Engineering Department. Extra land from both institutions would have eased movement of pedestrians and given ample space for the construction of ramps, he said, adding now they would again take up the issue at the next meeting of the committee.

The official said they would recommend the committee to move ahead with the space available on both sides of the roads. However, a final decision would be taken by members of the committee, he added.

During earlier discussions, it was suggested both entry and exist points should be on the premises of both institutions for free movement of buses on the road.

In November 2019, then UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore had given in-principle approval for the construction of the underpass after the traffic police had apprised the administration of the need for the passage between the hospital and university due to a heavy rush of patients and attendants. Thousands of people from neighbouring states visit the medical institute for treatment every day.

In its report on the comprehensive mobility plan for tricity, the Rail India Technical and Economic Service had also suggested a pedestrian underpass at the site.

As buses drop passengers on the road opposite the main gate of the hospital, they find it hard to cross it amid heavy traffic. Also, people have to wait for long periods to cross the road due to traffic on both sides of the road.

Likely to cost Rs 7.20 crore, the underpass would be 15 metres wide and 38 metres long. It would have 12 shops, including that of photocopier, to facilitate patients and their attendants visiting the health institute.