Chandigarh: Sukhna choe bridge gets heritage committee nod

Residents of Sector 13, IT Park and Mansa Devi Complex in Panchkula will soon have a better road connectivity to Chandigarh. After getting approval from the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee (CHCC), the UT Engineering Department will soon replace the existing low-level causeway over Sukhna Choe near Bapu Dham Colony with a four-lane bridge.

The causeway connects Sector 26 with Sector 13, IT Park and Mansa Devi Complex in Panchkula.

UT Chief Engineer CB Ojha said tenders would be floated within three months after getting an approval for the bridge design from the Urban Planning Department. Cycle tracks would be built on both sides of the bridge, he added.

The construction of the bridge will alleviate the traffic congestion during morning and evening hours, as officer-goers from MDC, Manimajra and Panchkula prefer this route to go to Haryana Secretariat, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Sukhna Lake, etc. Being to single lane road, the bridge is often clogged during the rush hour.

The new bridge will help prevent disruption in traffic movement like witnessed in July 2023 when excess water released from the Sukhna Lake damaged the bridge, which serves as an alternative route from Manimajra and Panchkula. The bridge had remained closed for five days.

Recently, a consultant was hired by the Engineering Department to conduct a topographical survey, hydraulic studies, detailed designing, preparation of drawings and a detailed project report for the project. The survey involved assessing water flow patterns, soil sampling and analysing the topography to ensure the bridge’s stability and durability.

The data was also collected on water accumulation to determine the most suitable design and type of pillars for the bridge. A study was also conducted to assess the traffic flow. Special cameras were installed to record the flow and categorisation of vehicles and to get comprehensive data on traffic density on the bridge.

To ease traffic situation on Madhya Marg, the Administration has not only planned the high-level bridge, but is also working on a new road to link Panchkula main road from Hallomajra light point, near Makhanmajra, via the Industrial Area’s rear side, passing through Daria.