JAIPUR: The Sodala elevated road that has been in the making for almost five years in Jaipur has missed yet another deadline.
The launching of segments over the railway line, which was to be completed by February this year, is still far from over.
Sources said the project was delayed as the company in charge is allegedly in a tight spot financially. “The work was stalled once again as company was facing a financial crunch. After the involvement of the JDA, the work has started again. The authority ensured the vendors of the company about the payment. Now, minimum three months will be required to complete the work. Out of 113, the JDA has launched 101 segments,” said a senior engineer.
As it appears there is no end in sight, residents travelling on the road have expressed disappointment as they will continue to face problems.
Rama Jain, a daily commuter, said, “Between Ambedkar Circle and Sodala, there are three major bottlenecks during the peak hours, which commuters are facing since the construction started. The constant delay is creating problems for the residents who are paying taxes for construction.”
Officials further said, imposing penalty on the awarded firm can further delay in construction. “We are following the middle path as 95 % of the work is completed. Stricter action can cause more delay as it can invite legal tangles if contract is terminated.”
The construction of elevated road is crucial as it would drastically reduce the traffic once operational. An official said, as per the 2011 survey, 7,135 passenger car units (PCU) pass per hour on the Bhawani Singh Road compared to its capacity of 5,143 PCU. The survey also highlighted the same traffic situation at Hawa Sadak. In 2011, 10,355 PCUs were recorded per hour whereas the road capacity was just 6,361 PCUs. The traffic at this stretch moves at 17 km per hour. Once the elevated road is operational, the speed will improve to 60 km per hour.
Under the project, four ramps would be constructed for traffic to ascend and descend from the elevated road. Once completed, a commuter will reach Ajmer Road via Hawa Sadak within 10 minutes.
Commuters travelling from Ambedkar Circle will have an option to ascend at Nandpuri near Hilton Hotel using the ramp. Similarly, the civic body has constructed the 1.8 km-long elevated structure for commuters plying from Ajmer Road end.
