One side of Singhpura flyover opens to traffic, chaos ensues

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) today opened one side of the Singhpura flyover in Zirakpur to traffic. The much-awaited move was expected to benefit commuters going from Chandigarh to Dera Bassi by easing congestion on the busy road. However, this was not what most travellers reported to have experienced on the first day, as chaos prevailed near the diversions and atop the flyover. Many commuters also seemed confused, especially at the diversions. The road users said no traffic cop or marshal was present to guide the traffic in the evening rush hours, which made the situation worse.

In a stop-gap arrangement, the flyover, meant for commuting from Dera Bassi to Chandigarh, is being used for traffic from Chandigarh to Dera Bassi, too, at least until both sides are completed.

This unconventional decision has been taken to streamline the movement of vehicles headed to Dera Bassi, which has been a major cause of traffic problems in the area. The NHAI completed the remaining carpeting, cleaning, and painting work recently with a focus on creating a smooth diversion on the road. The NHAI officials have assured people that during this transition, traffic police will be deployed here. They also urged the commuters to follow traffic rules for a smooth flow of traffic. The flyover’s construction has been stalled for the past three years due to a dispute between the NHAI and the owner of a resort over land acquisition. The construction work on one side of the flyover was stopped almost a year ago. The NHAI’s project director, Pradeep Attri, said, “The existing service lane will get a bit narrow, but it will continue to be used as earleir.” — TNS