Work on Rs 127-cr twin flyover project set to begin in Karnal

The long-delayed construction of two elevated flyovers in Karnal that was put on hold due to public objections is set to begin shortly. The Haryana Shehari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) has hired an agency to carry out the work.

“The work will commence soon and it will ease traffic congestion in the city,” said Uttam Singh, Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO of Karnal Smart City Ltd. (KSCL).

He said all concerns raised by residents and traders had been addressed.

“We engaged with various stakeholders and resolved their concerns. If any further issues arise, we will address them, too, to ensure minimal inconvenience to public,” said the DC.

The project had been kept on hold during the Lok Sabha elections due to protests from local traders and residents about potential impact on businesses along Railway Road and Old-Bus Stand Road.

Designed with a modern single-pillar structure, the project has two segments. The first segment spans approximately 2.38 km from Rana Academy near Sector-14-II to the Government College for Women along Railway Road, with two lanes and a 3.5-m carriage width. The second segment extends 980 m from Committee Chowk to Club Market, with an intersection at Committee Chowk of both flyovers.

The flyovers, planned on 99 single pillars, are part of a Rs 127.33-crore project managed by the HSVP, which has been assigned the task by the KSCL. After multiple tender rounds, an agency was assigned the project. Soil testing and structural designs were completed. Barricades were set up at the construction site prior to the Lok Sabha elections, but these were removed after the project was put on hold.

Now, the preparations are underway to start the project. The agency has again barricaded the area. Work on removing electricity poles along the planned route is likely to start soon.

Dharambir, XEN of the HSVP, said, “Once the electricity poles are removed, construction will start immediately.” Ramphal, General Manager, KSCL, added that Rs 100 crore has already been transferred to the HSVP for the project’s construction.

It was an ambitious project of former Chief Minister Khattar, who laid the foundation stone of it on March 7 with an aim to reduce the traffic congestion in the city.