SRINAGAR: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, undertook a comprehensive visit to various city areas to oversee the progress of significant developmental projects aimed at enhancing traffic flow and infrastructure in the district.
One of the major projects inspected by the DC was the ongoing construction work on the Lasjan Grade Separator on NH-44 (Jammu-Srinagar highway), the Flyovers at Nowgam Junction, Sanat Nagar Chowk, and Bemina Crossing. These projects have been designed to alleviate traffic congestion at heavily loaded intersections across the district.
The DC conducted an on-site appraisal of the Noor Jehan Bridge, which is being constructed over River Jhelum at Qamarwari at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore.
At Lasjan, the DC reviewed the progress of the 560-meter span Flyover/Grade Separator, a project being executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at an estimated cost of Rs 1.03 crore. The Project Manager of NHAI informed the DC that over 90 percent of the work on the project has been completed, with Bitumen/finishing works currently underway.
Urging the concerned agency to expedite the work, the DC emphasised the importance of completing the project as per the revised deadline to improve traffic movement on the National Highway corridor.
During the review of the Flyover at Nowgam crossing, the DC observed the work on the 0.85 km span flyover being carried out at a cost of Rs 36.93 crore. Over 55 percent of the work has been completed, including piling work, pile cape, pier caps, and ongoing girder works. Work on the approach road is also progressing.
Setting a November 2023 deadline for completion, the DC urged the project team to accelerate the pace of construction on the Flyover.
Similarly, the DC visited Sanat Nagar Chowk and inspected the construction work on the 0.85 km span Sanat Nagar Flyover, a project with an estimated cost of Rs 37 crore. The concerned engineers highlighted issues related to traffic diversion and erecting barricades around the construction site.
Promptly addressing the issues, the DC gave directions to ensure the smooth progress of the project.
At Bemina Crossing, the DC monitored the pace and progress of the ongoing construction of the flyover at a busy junction, being executed at a cost of Rs 31.49 crore by the Public Works Department (PWD). Over 55 percent of the flyover at Bemina junction has been completed, and the DC urged the concerned agency to employ additional manpower and machinery to meet the September 2023 deadline for completion.
Expressing optimism, the DC stated that the successful completion of these prestigious projects on NH-44 would vastly improve transportation facilities in Srinagar and alleviate traffic congestion on critical road corridors.
Additionally, the DC examined the works on Noor Jehan Bridge, being constructed by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) department over River Jhelum at Qamarwari. Over 85 percent of the bridge construction has been completed, and the DC urged concerned officers to expedite the remaining works.
By completing the Noor Jehan Bridge, a long-standing demand of the local population will be fulfilled, and it is expected to significantly improve traffic flow in the area.
The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer Srinagar, Executive Engineers of R&B, Project Manager of NHAI, Tehsildars of Pantha Chowk, Chanapora, and Eidgah, along with other officers from relevant departments during the visit.
