Now, Chandigarh plans ramps for PU-PGI underpass

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 12

Apart from a staircase, the UT Engineering Department has decided to construct ramps, not escalators as perceived earlier at the proposed pedestrian underpass between Panjab University (PU) and the PGI.

A senior official of the Engineering Department said the UT Urban Planning Department had already prepared drawings of the underpass. As the escalators would be installed outdoor, the cost of maintenance would be high and also wear and tear would be more in comparison to indoor installation, he said. Hence, it was decided to have ramps instead of the mechanised staircase, he added.

He further said the underground cables, water and sewer lines would to shifted by the Municipal Corporation, while the remaining work would be carried out by the Engineering Department.

He said efforts were on to start the construction of the underpass between the gate number 1 of the PU and the main gate of the PGI at the earliest. On completion of the underpass, thousands of patients visiting the PGI will get relief from crossing the busy Madhya Marg.

Likely to cost nearly Rs 7.20 crore, the underpass would be 15-metre wide and 38 metre in length and it would have 12 shops (including those giving photostat service) so that patients or their attendants visiting the PGI could get basic facilities at one place.

In November 2019, UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore had given in-principle approval to the construction of the underpass.

The first pedestrian underpass in the city was constructed to connect Sector 17 and 22 at the bus stand and the second between Sector 16 and 17 at Rose Garden.