Rs 127-cr twin flyover project in Karnal city put on hold

Parveen Arora

Karnal, July 6

The ambitious project of two “elevated flyovers”, to be constructed on 99 pillars using the single-pillar technology, in Karnal city has been put on hold. This was confirmed by Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Housing, Urban Affairs and Power, while talking to The Tribune, today.

“Discussions had taken place with local traders and businessmen regarding the project. We have decided to put it on hold for now. Further talks will be held with stakeholders, and if they agree, the project will be taken up,” said Khattar.

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

An agency was assigned the project after several rounds of tendering process by Karnal Smart City Ltd. (KSCL) and Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP).

The project was to be constructed at a cost of Rs 127.33 crore and was to be completed in 24 months. The agency had conducted soil testing, submitted the structural design of the elevated flyovers and the construction site has also been barricaded.

The story titled “Four months on, work on Karnal flyovers yet to commence” was carried in these columns in the July 4 edition. The authorities had claimed that the slow process of shifting of utility services, including electric wires, water supply lines, drainage systems, was the main reason for the delay, but today, the former CM announced that it had been put on hold.

It is learnt that during the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, traders and residents of the railway road and old bus stand road had protested against the project, saying that it would adversely affect businesses.

The development has made these residents happy.

“We are thankful to former CM Manohar Lal Khattar, CM Nayab Singh Saini and the district administration for giving heed to our demand and considering our sentiments. This project was not required after the construction of the eastern and western bypasses,” said Kapil Gupta, a resident of the city.

Project aimed at reducing traffic congestion

The project aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the city. The flyovers were to be built in 24 months. The agency given the work had conducted soil testing, submitted the structural design of the flyovers and even barricaded the construction site. During the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, traders had protested against the project, saying that it would adversely affect businesses.