A dream run

Pankha Road flyover! Why is there a need of another flyover just parallel to Janak Setu? Ask Kaltaran Singh, a resident of D-Block, Janakpuri, who feels that the very sight of an under construction flyover here is enough to soothe him.
He says, "The bumper to bumper drive from Lajwanti Garden to Kirby Place is nerve racking. During office hours it takes more than an hour manoeuvring through the jam just to reach Dhaula Kuan".
Like Singh, all those who go through this harrowing experience each day would not mind a detour. But there is no escaping this as this is the only route from the neighbouring areas for CP, South Delhi and Gurgaon.
The construction of the flyover will not only eliminate the long wait at the level crossing but also help in shifting the congestion from Lajwanti and Janak flyover. According to a DDA official, the flyover has become a necessity owing to the load of traffic from Dwarka and the adjoining areas.
The construction of the flyover started in May 2002. It is being carried out by the DDA who have sublet the contract to Simplex Concrete Piles (I) Ltd. The project has been designed by Construma Consultancy Pvt Ltd and the concept is by Craphts Consultant Pvt Ltd. According to DDA officials, the project has two complementary flyovers under one agreement -— the ROB over Pankha Road level crossing and half flyover at Kirby Place.
The total length of the ROB across Delhi-Rewari Railway line is 777.5 m. The road of the flyover would connect T- point near Janakpuri D-Block to Central vehicle department (CVD) gate at Delhi Cantt. The road will be two-way having four lanes with a total width of 16.5 m. The ramp of the flyover will be 208.9 m. The construction of rail overbridge across the railway line has been undertaken by the Railways. The total stretch of the railway portion is 53.8 m.
The half-flyover is being constructed at the intersection of Pankha Road and station road. This is a one way half trumpet with a total length of 569.42 m and width of 8.5 m. The ramp of the half flyover will be 239.4 m. The traffic coming through half-trumpet will merge unobstructively with the flow of traffic from Janak-setu at T-junction near Kirby place.
The DDA has taken over the land from MCD from Janakpuri side and from the Defence authorities from the other side for the construction of the flyover. There is lot of congestion at Janakpuri D-Block side from where the flyover will start. According to DDA officials, though no demolition has taken place as yet, some shops and building coming in the road alignment may have to be demolished.
The project was initially scheduled to be completed by this month. According to DDA officials, "The main road block of acquisition of land from defence authorities took lot of time. We could not start the work from Cantt side. However, the land has now been handed over and the work is going on in full swing." The officials claim that 85 per cent of the pile foundation is almost over. The present progress is 22 per cent on ROB and 6 per cent on half flyover.
The flyover is certainly going to decongest the choc-a-block Pankha Road which is the main conduit to West Delhi. This will not only save travelling time, but ease the pockets of commuters wasting petrol while battling for space.