Jammu and Kashmir government has approached Asian Development Bank for funds for constructing grade separators along the important Srinagar expressway bypass, in order to reduce fatal accidents and frequent traffic snarls in absence of the small flyovers.
According to a senior government official, the government is mulling to construct four small flyovers (grade separators) along the bypass at four intersections— Sanat Nagar, Nowgam, Bemina and Shalteng to ease the traffic movement along highway.
“However failing to manage funds from its own kitty, state has now approached ADB,” said the official, adding the plan was envisioned in 2015, but due to bureaucratic hassles it didn’t materialize.
“Now, JKERA (Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency) has submitted this proposal to ADB seeking funds for construction of grade separators.”
The Agency, responsible for projects funded by ADB, has sought money for two grade separators at Sanat Nagar and Bemina crossing in the first phase.
Head of JKERA, Dr. Raghav Langer said the proposal for funds for two flyovers has already been submitted to ADB.
“We are optimistic that we will get funds for construction of these flyovers which are of utmost public importance,” Langer said.
Construction of these flyovers is a long pending demand of residents of the summer capital who face problems due to speedy vehicles plying on the highways, often causing fatal accidents.
The state government has sought funding for grade separators under the third tranche loan from ADB amounting Rs 4000 crore.
The Government of India has already given clearance for the plan while ADB has agreed for granting a loan of around Rs 4000 crore to the state for the development projects.
“The road corridor witness huge number of vehicles coming from northern and southern parts of Kashmir. It also witnesses frequent movement of security personnel vehicles. For passage of these vehicles, the civilian traffic movement is stopped for half an hour or so. The number of conflicting usages and the high vehicular and pedestrian volumes act as barrier to redevelopment and growth of the area,” the proposal states.
The proposed project is part of a long term plan of the state government to improve urban transport facility in the summer capital.
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