TNNChandigarh: Finally, the Chandigarh administration is set to commence construction of the long pending underpass connecting the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) and Panjab University along the busy Madhya Marg. This comes after six years of delays — caused by bureaucratic hurdles, design revisions and objections from the heritage panel.The project was initially approved in 2019 by then UT administrator V P Singh Badnore and received final clearance from the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee in 2023. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with authorities aiming to complete the work by Dec 2026.Estimated to cost Rs 9.7 crore, the underpass is expected to provide a safe crossing to over 10,000 daily commuters, including university students and hospital patients, attendants and staff, who currently negotiate heavy traffic on Madhya Marg, including CTU buses ferrying students and visitors.“Estimates have been finalised and tenders will be floated after receiving approval of competent authorities. The MC has been assigned the task of shifting utilities,” a UT official said.The underpass will come up near the Sector 11/15 dividing line, directly linking PGIMER and Panjab University. Designed to handle heavy pedestrian footfall, it will measure approximately 15.7 metres in width and 32.77 metres in length — larger than the Sector 17 Rose Garden underpass.Plans include ramps and lifts to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users, the elderly and patients. Enhanced lighting and provision for 12 commercial booths — reduced from the originally proposed 20 in view of heritage and space constraints — also form part of the project design. MSID:: 128353638 413 |
