SRINAGAR: Promising significant relief from severe traffic congestion, the much-awaited 600-metre flyover at Sangrama along National Highway-44 in north Kashmir is on track for completion within the next two months. Officials anticipate the project will be a game-changer for Baramulla and Sopore townships.
The project, spearheaded by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and supervised by the 53 RCC, is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at streamlining traffic flow and enhancing connectivity in the region, which is often plagued by severe traffic congestion at this vital junction.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, said that the completion of the Sangrama flyover by September will mark a significant milestone in efforts to enhance the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri route, alleviating the persistent gridlocks hindering movement in the region.
“The initial cost of the project was 24 crore rupees and has now been revised to 30 crores. The total length, including the approaches, is 600 metres, with the elevated portion and pillar foundations already completed,” he said.
Sharing further details, the DC said the project work is progressing at full speed, with the final and crucial task of completing the approaches and filling underway. “We expect to complete the work by September,” he said.
“Its completion will enhance the direct traffic flow of Baramulla-bound vehicles onto the flyover, while traffic heading towards Sopore will use the side road,” he said. “This will avert the jamming and facilitate smoother transit for thousands of fruit-laden trucks travelling to and from Sopore fruit mandi.”
Ashraf Shabir, the project manager of the Sangrama flyover, said, “We are going to hand over the project within one or two months.”
He said 90 percent of the structural work has been completed, and they are now focusing on the approach work. “The Baramulla side is 70 percent complete, while the Srinagar side had some issues that have been amicably resolved by the BRO and administration,” Ashraf said, adding that the work on the Srinagar side will start shortly.
It is noteworthy that commuters and residents have previously complained of severe gridlocks at this vital junction, demanding measures to tackle the situation in the larger interest.
Meanwhile, expressing optimism, residents termed the flyover a game-changer, saying the traffic situation at the crucial Sangrama junction has been a nightmare for years. The completion of this much-needed flyover will bring respite from the traffic congestion, they said—(KNO).
