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Ramkrishan Upadhyay
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, December 9
While the UT has decided to construct a flyover at Tribune Chowk at a cost of Rs 137 crore, experts say it will create a mess at other chowks on the national highway, defeating the aim of ensuring seamless traffic on the national highway up to Zirarkpur.
A traffic survey conducted by STUP consultant had revealed that there was not much of a difference in the traffic volume at four roundabouts on the national highway up to Zirakpur. As per the detailed project report, a copy of which is in the possession of The Tribune, the consultant carried out the traffic survey in two categories — total volume of traffic (daily) and peak hour volume. The survey was conducted from February 12, 2018, to February 23, 2018.
The data shows that the total volume of daily traffic at the Tribune roundabout was 2,04,405. The other roundabout was not far behind in traffic congestion. The total volume at the GMCH roundabout was 1,74,850 and at the Hallo Majra roundabout, it was 1,73,940. The total volume of traffic at the Hallo Majra light point was 1,27,373.
Likewise, the difference in the peak hour traffic was also not much. As per the data, the peak hour volume of traffic at Tribune Chowk was 12,510 followed by the GMCH roundabout at 12,202. The peak hour traffic volume at Hallo Majra Chowk was 12,328.
Surinder Bahga, an architect, said if one was to go by the report of the consultant appointed by the Administration, a flyover would have to be constructed at every roundabout in the city. Bahga said despite the construction of a flyover, 28,000 vehicles coming from Delhi would still be coming at the GMCH roundabout. So what was the justification in constructing a flyover on just one roundabout. He said the Tribune flyover would create more traffic chaos at the GMCH chowk and at the Hallo Majra chowk.
Traffic volume as per a survey
Tribune Chowk 2,04,405
Delhi side 58,768
Chandigarh side 60,434
Panchkula side 45,038
Mohali side 40,190
GMCH Chowk 1,74,850
Tribune side 48,949
Gurdwara side 48,588
Sector 46 side 40,242
Sai Mandir side 37,072
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