Srinagar, Jan 10: The much-anticipated Sanat Nagar flyover on the Srinagar expressway bypass (NH44) is set to be completed by April and opened to traffic by May, bringing much-needed relief to commuters dealing with heavy traffic in the area.
The Rs 45 crore project, designed to ease traffic flow and reduce congestion at the Sanat Nagar intersection, is part of a broader plan by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to address traffic bottlenecks at key intersections in Srinagar. In 2020, NHAI proposed the construction of three short-distance flyovers at Bemina, Sanat Nagar, and Nowgam intersections. While the flyovers at Bemina and Nowgam have already been completed and opened for traffic earlier in 2024, the Sanat Nagar flyover faced delays that pushed back its expected completion date.
Initially slated for completion in June 2024, the Sanat Nagar flyover was delayed due to approval challenges and the complex process of relocating major utilities along its route. These issues shifted the project’s timeline, with construction now expected to conclude by April, allowing the flyover to open for public use the following month.
“We faced some unavoidable delays due to the approvals and utility relocations, but the team has been working tirelessly to make up for the lost time,” said an official from the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, requesting anonymity.
Despite the setbacks, the project is now advancing steadily. Chief Engineer Sajjad Naqeeb of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department expressed confidence in the revised timeline, stating, “The work is progressing rapidly, and we are on track to complete the flyover for commuters by May. With 75% of the construction already completed, the cast girders are set to be raised within the next 10 days, marking a significant milestone toward the project’s completion.”
The Sanat Nagar intersection has long been a source of frustration for commuters due to frequent and lengthy traffic bottlenecks. Once operational, the flyover is expected to significantly enhance traffic flow, reducing delays and improving the overall travel experience along NH44.
“We’ve been waiting for this flyover for years,” said Tariq Ahmad, a daily commuter. “The traffic at Sanat Nagar has been a nightmare during rush hours. If this flyover delivers on its promise, it will save us so much time and frustration.” Another commuter, Bisma, said, “Every morning, I brace myself for the bottleneck at Sanat Nagar. It often takes longer to cross that single intersection than to travel the rest of my route. This flyover will make life so much easier for all of us.”
In addition to the Sanat Nagar flyover, a separate Rs 133 crore project has also been sanctioned for the Srinagar bypass. This project will include the construction of an overhead bridge near the Children’s Hospital, a vehicular overpass at Muminabad Junction, and a 2-kilometer flyover along the Parimpora-Shalteng stretch, further enhancing traffic flow and reducing bottlenecks in the city.
Once operational, these projects are expected to significantly improve Srinagar’s road network by easing congestion and ensuring more efficient, seamless travel for commuters.
