Overpass to be built at New Baneshwor as pilot project
KATHMANDU, JUN 16 -
The government has decided to build only one flyover at New Baneshwor, dumping its earlier plan to erect overpasses at five intersections. The Ministry of Physical Planning, Works and Transport Management said it would base its future move on the experience gained from the New Baneshwor crossing.
The consultant is ready to submit the final detailed project report (DPR) for the New Baneshwor flyover, and the government has started preparations to call for global tenders soon to select a contractor.
“Since the proposed infrastructure is the first of its kind in the country, we want to gather some experience before starting other projects,” said Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, secretary at the Physical Planning Ministry.
Originally, the government had planned to build flyovers or underpasses at Kalimati, Tripureshwor, Thapathali, New Baneshwor and Old Baneshwor in a bid to reduce traffic congestion and allow motorists to reach the airport faster. Soil Test and Aviyaan have been assigned to prepare the final design and carry out DPRs for all the selected crossroads.
“Building a flyover at one spot will not solve the problem of traffic congestion but will merely move the congestion to nearby junctions, so the government should think about that too,” said an official at the Department of Roads, which is the implementing body of the flyover plan. The official added that the planned flyover would come online in around three years.
The proposed four-lane flyover at New Baneshwor crossroads will extend east to west and be 240 m long and 17 m wide. A study conducted by the department shows that it will handle at least 55 percent of the motor traffic passing through New Baneshwor. The government also plans to build underground crossings here for pedestrians.
The government expects to invite bids for its construction by July. It has set aside Rs 50 million to select a contractor and implement the project. The department has also asked the Ministry of Finance to create a separate heading for flyover affairs in the new budget.
In the mean time, the department and the consultant are close to finishing the designs of flyovers at Kalimati, Tripureshwor and Thapathali and an underpass at Old Baneshwor. A source at the Physical Planning Ministry said that the government would probably not build the planned underpass at Old Baneshwor because of thin motor traffic between Battisputali and New Baneshwor. “The plan does not look feasible as traffic movement is light, and autos cannot turn towards Sinamangal or Maitidevi either,” added the source.
Source: THT
