Construction of the much-awaited underpass at Vatika Chowk on Sohna Road is expected to start soon. NHAI has started soil testing, a prerequisite for construction of underpasses.
The highways authority has written to GMDA, MCG and other agencies to share details about the underground utilities in the area and expected costs for shifting.
Officials said construction is expected to start after GMDA hands over a portion of the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) for the underpass. The detailed project report (DPR) of the project, which is expected to take around six months for completion once construction begins, is ready.
The project will cost Rs 109 crore. GMDA will share the cost with NHAI, while the project will be executed by the highways authority.
“Soil testing has begun and we have written to local agencies to share details about the underground utilities and shifting costs,” said an NHAI official, adding that the shifting of utilities will be done along with construction of the underpass.
GMDA officials said a large amount of the total project cost has been transferred to NHAI. “We will share details about the utilities and land handover is also under process,” said a GMDA official.
The underpass is expected to help facilitate seamless movement of traffic from Golf Course Road to new sectors along the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) and vice versa. GMDA is planning to redevelop SPR with the construction of eight flyovers and an underpass along the 12km stretch.
Apart from the eight flyovers it has proposed, NHAI will construct an underpass at Vatika Chowk, which will further ease traffic flow along the stretch.
Sumit Sharma, resident of Sector 67, said the construction of elevated Sohna road has no impact on traffic situation on Vatika Chowk.
“It takes a long time to cross this junction. With the construction of the underpass the traffic situation may improve. We hope the project will be executed on a priority basis,” said Sharma.
Source : TOI
