Chandigarh's Major Flyover Projects Set to Transform City Mobility
After enduring years of planning delays, legal challenges, and escalating costs, the Chandigarh Administration's ambitious initiative to alleviate severe traffic congestion is finally transitioning into the execution phase. Two pivotal flyover projects—at PGIMER-Sarangpur and Tribune Chowk—are now positioned as the cornerstone of the city's comprehensive mobility strategy, aiming to revolutionize daily commutes for residents and visitors alike.
Addressing Critical Traffic Bottlenecks
Both flyovers are strategically designed to decongest some of Chandigarh's most heavily trafficked corridors, where peak-hour gridlocks have become a frustrating norm and travel times increasingly erratic. According to UT officials, these structures will effectively segregate through-traffic from local movement, a critical measure anticipated to boost average vehicular speeds significantly once operational. This approach targets the root causes of congestion, offering a sustainable solution rather than a temporary fix.
Tribune Chowk Flyover: Nearing Construction Phase
The Tribune Chowk flyover, envisioned as a grade-separated junction to streamline traffic flow between Panchkula, the Industrial Area, and central Chandigarh, has progressed to the near-final stage of tendering. The project has secured final financial approval at a revised cost of approximately Rs 247 crore, reflecting substantial escalation from the original 2019 estimate due to prolonged delays, litigation, and rising input costs.
Officials confirm that technical bids from prospective contractors have already been evaluated, with financial bids expected to be opened imminently. The project will be executed under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model, entrusting the selected contractor with design finalization, construction, and commissioning responsibilities.
UT officials indicate that if the tendering process adheres to schedule, on-ground construction of the Tribune Chowk flyover is likely to commence by mid-2026. With an estimated execution period of about 30 months, the flyover is projected to be completed and opened to traffic by late 2028 or early 2029, contingent upon uninterrupted execution and availability of work fronts. This intervention is expected to rationalize traffic movement at Tribune Chowk, which currently handles a complex mix of local, inter-city, and industrial traffic, often resulting in extensive queues and frequent bottlenecks.
PGIMER-Sarangpur Flyover: Revived After Prolonged Delay
The PGIMER-Sarangpur flyover, linking the hospital zone with the northern periphery, is projected as a comparatively swifter intervention. This stretch endures sustained traffic pressure due to hospital-related movement, institutional traffic, and vehicles headed towards Sarangpur and adjoining areas.
After remaining stalled for several years, the project has recently gained momentum following design refinements and in-principle clearances. The estimated project cost stands at around Rs 90 crore. UT officials report that the drawing and design phase is nearing completion, after which tenders will be floated. If the contract is awarded on schedule, construction is expected to begin later this year.
With a construction timeline of approximately 18 months, the PGIMER-Sarangpur flyover is anticipated to be ready for commuter use by early 2027. This accelerated timeline underscores its priority in addressing immediate traffic woes in a critical sector of the city.
Technical Rationale and Long-Term Vision
Explaining the technical rationale behind these projects, C B Ojha, Chief Engineer of the Chandigarh Administration, emphasized that the flyovers are being planned as long-term solutions rather than isolated structures. Both have been meticulously designed to reduce traffic conflict points and facilitate uninterrupted movement of vehicles.
"Once operational, they are expected to substantially cut travel time across these corridors and improve overall traffic flow throughout the city," Ojha stated. "The detailed drawings and structural designs are in the final stages. After this process is completed, tenders will be floated, and construction work will commence in a phased and time-bound manner."
The implementation of these flyovers represents a significant leap forward in Chandigarh's urban infrastructure development. By targeting key congestion hotspots, the projects promise to enhance daily commutes, reduce environmental impact from idling vehicles, and support the city's growth as a modern, accessible metropolis. Residents and commuters can look forward to a more efficient and predictable travel experience once these transformative structures become a reality.
