Work begins on Rs 122-cr twin flyover project in Karnal
Ten months after the laying of foundation stone, the construction work of the ambitious twin-flyover project finally started in the city on Friday. Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand, former Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, BJP working district president Brij Gupta started the work with rituals.
The project, started by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, was put on hold due to public objections prior to the Lok Sabha elections, but after the Assembly elections, the process to start the work was started.
The Karnal police have issued a traffic advisory for commuters. The foundation stone of this project was laid by Khattar on March 7 last year. Earlier, the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, followed by delays in shifting power, telecom, sewage and water lines were considered key reasons for the delay in starting the project. Sources said the BJP had kept the project on hold because it feared a negative impact on the elections as several shopkeepers had raised objections.
As many as 99 pillars will be erected for the flyovers. The project aims at reducing traffic congestion and improving urban infrastructure. It is slated to be constructed in 18 months at an estimated cost of Rs 122 crore.
Jagmohan Anand claimed that this project would mark a milestone in the city’s development. It will also resolve the persistent traffic congestion in the city. He said that it took two years for extensive planning and feasibility studies, after which the final approval was given by the former CM and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal.
“The construction of this project would ease traffic congestion by providing smooth connectivity for daily commuters. Four security guards have been deployed near the construction site to assist patients and manage emergency situations efficiently as there are some hospitals along the road,” said Anand.
Anand expressed gratitude to Union Minister Manohar Lal and CM Nayab Singh Saini for the project. He also appreciated the support by the traders. He appealed to citizens to share their suggestions for alternative arrangements during the construction phase, ensuring minimal inconvenience.
Former Mayor Renu Bala Gupta also thanked Khattar for his vision and dedication to address the city’s pressing traffic issue.
“The construction of the two flyovers was under discussion for five years and we are now finally moving forward. This project will provide relief from traffic jams, and if any issues arise, they will be promptly resolved,” she said. She also urged residents to cooperate with the administration and follow the guidelines issued during the construction phase, ensuring smooth progress of the project.
Dharambir, XEN, Haryana Shehari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), said that the project was being constructed under the Smart City work and the HSVP had hired an agency for it. He said that the project would be constructed in a phased manner and the first phase had been started from Rana Academy to Haryana Nursing Home, a 300-m stretch, and the second would start soon from the old bus stand.
Uttam Singh, Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO Karnal Smart City Ltd. (KSCL), an agency looking after the Karnal Smart City project, said that a traffic advisory had been issued for the commuters and people should follow traffic diversions. “We will ensure that people would face less inconvenience during the construction of the project,” said the DC.
