LG inspects Rani Jhansi Grid Separator

NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Saturday inspected progress of the Rani Jhansi Grid Separator project in north Delhi and directed officials to prepare a comprehensive traffic dispersal plan, in view of any likely congestion due to its opening.

The 1.8 km-long flyover, after completion,will connect Pusa Road, Upper Ridge and Rohtak Road through Filimistan Cinema, DCM Chowk, Azad Market, Roshanara Road and further extend to Kashmere Gate ISBT.

Till now, the LG has reviewed work progress of the four times. However, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (North MCD) Commissioner is yet to announce completion of the project.

On September 9 last year, the then North MCD Commissioner PK Gupta had said the project would be over by November 30.

The civic body had started work for the flyover in 2008, at an estimated cost of Rs 122 crore. However, almost a decade has passed, with the cost having escalated to Rs 825 crore.

"(The LG) directed the officials concerned to prepare a comprehensive traffic dispersal plan in coordination with agencies concerned as congestion is likely to increase once it opens for public shortly," the LG office said in a statement.

It also stated that Baijal gave directions to complete beautification of the grid separator and its surroundings at a rapid pace.

"The Lieutenant Governor also directed that crash barrier on both sides of the grid separator be installed," it added.

Baijal, along with senior officers of the Delhi Development Authority, also visited the Shanti Stupa site in Millenium Park of the Authority at Sarai Kale Khan on Ring Road.

The park spreads over 84 acres area and in 2.5 acres of the park Shanti Stupa exists which is the first of its kind in Delhi.

The additional facilities are being provided in this part to facilitate the visitors which include Viewing Gallery and Peace Museum, it stated.