By Arun Pratap Singh
Srinagar, 22 Nov: The Srinagar Bypass Road project is likely to take off soon. The government has now made some significant moves in this regard. In case the project starts soon, the road will ease the traffic during the Char Dham Yatra.
It may be recalled that although the Char Dham Yatra passes along the national highways, it still has to pass through Srinagar City, which is probably the most densely populated in the hills on the Char Dham Yatra route. Traffic moving further towards the Char Dham shrines, Kedarnath and Badrinath has to pass through the entire length of Srinagar resulting in constant traffic jams in the city.
With the construction of this road, passengers will get relief from traffic jams during the Char Dham Yatra. Tourists will also be able to closely experience nature from the road going through the forest. Significant progress has been made regarding this project with the completion of the survey work for the road by the Public Works Department (PWD). The report has been submitted to the government seeking clearance as some forest land is involved in the proposed bypass. Once the clearance report for the 9 km long road is received, the Public Works Department will commence the construction work.
It may be recalled that Srinagar is a major stop on the Char Dham Yatra for the pilgrims enroute Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines and the vehicles have to cross the entire length of the city. During the Chardham Yatra, passengers often face trouble due to traffic jams. To alleviate this issue, the PWD had on the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami planned to build a bypass road. The department had previously conducted two surveys, but the land of Garhwal University was involved. The university, which is now a Central institution, had refused to give its land for the project. Consequently, the PWD conducted another survey. This land belongs to the forest department.
Once the clearance report is received from the forest department, the Public Works Department will start the road construction work. The PWD has stated that three surveys have been conducted for the construction of the Thandi Road. The PWD has also shared that the proposed bypass will pass from above Srinagar city, extending 9 kilometres. If the road is constructed, the pressure of vehicles on National Highway-7 will be reduced during travel times, providing relief from traffic jams.
