UD funds in pocket, PWD gets ready for the next leg

NEW DELHI: After the urban development ministry approved funding for five key infrastructure projects in the city on Monday, PWD said it would start getting the detailed project reports (DPR) prepared while actual work is likely to start within the next six months. “Other than the Mahipalpur project, we have received approvals from UTTIPEC. Even in the case of the Mahipalpur road, we are not anticipating any problem as UTTIPEC has been on board through all meetings.We will get the DPR made immediately and start the tendering process,” said a senior official.
Of the five projects cleared by the Union ministry, the 1.6km Rani Jhansi Road grade separator is the only project that is already underway. The UD ministry has sanctioned Rs 200 crore for it. The project is being implemented by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation. The flyover from St Stephen’s Hospital to Filmistaan Cinema was conceptualised in 1998 and the work started in 2008. For various reasons, it was delayed initially and then got stalled. Its cost has shot up from an initial Rs 70 crore to Rs 225 crore.
Among the new projects is a foot overbridge at ITO that was finalised through a design competition. The design — claimed to be the first of its kind in Delhi — has been cleared by Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC).
Almost like a spider for a central common area and arms emanating from it to connect to various points, the foot overbridge will start at the PragatiMaidan Metro station. One arm from here will go under the Metro line and drop off pedestrians at the entry to the Tilak Lane railway station. Another arm will turn left and drop down close to PragatiMaidan’s gate No. 9. The third arm will open at the ITO crossing. This arm will also be independently connected with the one that will open at the railway