Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jul 12: The much-delayed Sanat Nagar flyover—considered the final critical bridge along the Srinagar Bypass, is now expected to be completed and opened for the traffic by the end of August, senior officials in the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department here said.
Officials in the R&B department said that the construction had earlier slowed down due to a 132 KV high-tension electricity line that passed directly above the under-construction structure.
They said the power line posed a major safety concern and required realignment, delaying progress for months.
An R&B official said that the issue has finally been resolved. “The power line hurdle has been cleared and amendment work is underway. We are aiming to make the bridge operational by August this year,” the official said.
The official added a new tower has been constructed for line realignment after land acquisition and foundation work were completed in coordination with Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
Meanwhile, the flyover is part of the National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI) broader plan to decongest traffic at Bemina, Sanat Nagar and Nowgam by constructing three flyovers along a 3.23-kilometre stretch on NH-44.
Moreover, while the Bemina and Nowgam flyovers are already functional, the Sanat Nagar section was held up due to prolonged utility clearance.
Daily commuters say the delay has only worsened traffic congestion. “Every day there are long traffic jams at Sanat Nagar. We have waited long enough. It is time the flyover is finished,” said Zubair Ahmad, a commuter from Natipora.
The locals hoped that the flyover would finally ease the pressure on this key intersection. “Once it is completed, travel time from Barzulla to Nowgam will improve significantly,” said Tahoor Wani, a local from Baghat.
Notably, with the amendment work underway and key technical hurdles resolved, officials say the city’s last pending important bypass flyover is finally on track for completion. (KNO)
