Work for the construction of an elevated road corridor from Rajiv Gandhi Square to Indira Gandhi Square would commence shortly with the Public Works Department handing over the site a few days ago to the contractor selected by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for executing the project. It is considered a major infrastructure initiative in the Union Territory by the Central government, to ease traffic congestion in Puducherry town.

The foundation for the project was laid by Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari in October last year. A joint venture of T & T Infra Limited and Dhariwal Buildtech Limited was selected through a tendering process by the Ministry for executing the ₹436 crore project. The work order has been issued and the site handed over to the firm for taking up the construction work. The entire project cost would be incurred by the Central government. 

“All the formalities have been completed from our side, including handing over of the site and clearance for removal of some trees. Everything will be planned in such a way that there is going to be minimum damage to trees in the area. Now, the contractor will prepare a work plan and start construction work. We expect work to start in October,” said a PWD official. 

A senior official said in the next few days a detailed traffic plan would be prepared for managing vehicle movement along Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi squares before commencement of work. “Managing traffic along the routes will be a challenge during the construction phase as both junctions are the most prominent traffic signals in the town. We will work out a detailed plan in consultation with traffic police and the firm,” the official added. 

The corridor, covering a total length of 3.877 km, including additional approach ramps, would be one of the major projects taken up in recent times for improving traffic movement in town. The elevated road corridor will start near a point next to Pakkumudiyanpet and extend to Cuddalore Road after Indira Gandhi Square. 

As per the plan, an elevated circular flyover will be constructed at Indira Gandhi Square. One arm of the flyover will be connected to the bus stand area and another one towards Villupuram Road. For the time at the Rajiv Gandhi Square, there will be only one flyover link towards Tindivanam Road.  “The execution of the project was delayed because of the Assembly elections. Work is expected to be completed in around 30 months,” the official said.