Sources said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all departments to ensure that the project is completed before 2019
In a bid to exp face-liftedite the redevelopment of Pragati Maidan as a world-class Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) will hold a high-level meeting of all stakeholders on Friday. The redevelopment will be done at an estimated Rs 2,254 crore. Land acquisition, environment clearance and reservations of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are proving to be major hurdles for the project.
Sources said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all departments to ensure that the project is completed before 2019.
The meeting at the PMO would first discuss easing vehicular traffic movement at Pragati Maidan and the construction of three tunnels. Sources said that Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha would convene a meeting of all stakeholders like Railways, ASI, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Public Works Department (PWD), and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) to sort out the issues.
The PWD will undertake the construction of the three tunnels. They will be constructed on the Bhairon Road and W points at the Income-Tax Office intersection. The Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), which would bear the entire cost of the project, has earmarked Rs 700 crore for the tunnels.
According to ministry sources, "The first tunnel road will connect Mathura Road and Ring Road via Bhairon Marg near Pragati Maidan. The second will connect Bhairon Marg and Ring Road while the third will start from Mathura Road and end at Bhairon Marg."
Once completed, the project would provide a huge relief to commuters using the Bhairon Marg to reach Ring Road, they said. "These tunnels will also ease traffic congestion at ITO, Mandi House, Tilak Marg, Mathura Road and Pragati Maidan. A traffic police report says that over 5 lakh vehicles pass through the ITO crossing and Bhairon Marg road near Pragati Maidan everyday," said a top IAS Officer.
"The Delhi government has recently appointed a consultant to conduct a feasibility study," said sources.
These roads are likely to be short – each around 1 km- 2.5 km in length – to make them cost-effective and allow motorists to use them as soon as possible. To facilitate smooth movement of vehicles, another tunnel near Bhairon Marg will allow traffic coming from Sundar Nagar to go straight towards ITO, he said.
Another tunnel would be constructed for traffic turning right to Bhairon Marg, from which an arm will extend towards Pragati Maidan parking.
"It is to be extended to Geeta Colony bridge near the Vikas Marg loop, enabling central Delhi one more link with east Delhi. One tunnel will also provide access to the underground parking for those coming from the Purana Quila Road," he said.
Further down, at the Sher Shah Road crossing, underground access will be provided to traffic coming from the High Court and turning right towards Mathura Road. Explaining the details of the project, the officer added: "Traffic going to High Court or India Gate from Pragati Maidan will take a loop in front of the fort and cross via a tunnel that will open up close to the HC. Once construction starts in around six months, massive traffic disruption can be expected."
Last month, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ITPO's proposal for redevelopment of Pragati Maidan.
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