| Work Detail |
The long-pending NH-58 project, which was scheduled to be finished by the end of this year, keeping in mind Maha Kumbh 2021, has been delayed by one more year, officials said. The NH-58 connects Delhi to Uttarakhand.
After hoteliers in Bhupatwala area and seers objected to an elevated road and demanded a flyover instead, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) agreed to make changes in the highway’s design to accommodate a 2km-long flyover from the old RTO crossing to Shantikunj.
“An elevated road with retaining walls on either side would aggravate the already menacing problem of water-logging in Haridwar. The city has been dealing with water-filled streets for decades,” said Bhupatwala municipal councilor Aniruddh Bhati.
Residents, however, are not happy with the delay. A local resident, Ratan Mani Dobhal alleged that the road was delayed due to political pressure. “The project is already a decade behind schedule. Apart from the financial loss, the project has now been delayed further. It is widely speculated that the flyover was agreed upon to favour the ashrams and hotels, as it will let them have ample parking space.”
Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said, “An underpass was being built near Shantikunj. Now it is being demolished to accommodate the flyover.” Union education minister and Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank had earlier expressed concern over the project’s “slow pace of progress”. Describing it as “a key project in his constituency”, he had directed officials to ensure its early completion.
NHAI project manager PS Gusain told TOI, “The construction work on the highway will be completed by November this year. The flyover, however, will take a year more.”
When asked about the financial losses the change in design will bring, Gusain said, “It will depend on the nature and extent of changes and these are still being worked out.” |
