The reviewing of the passage of the underpasses will have to be done especially when the city is looking at underground metro rail for its core areas.

The administration, through the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB), has already invited expression of interest from the interested parties. The last date for the submission is February 15.

As per plans, the CHB was looking to construct three underpasses each at Madhya Marg, Dhakshin Marg and two underpasses at Udyog Path.

“We will have to see now how the construction of the underpasses has to take place or if some review is required. It has to be looked into if the path already chalked out for the underpasses has to be changed or not,” said an official.

Till the metro rail project got a nod from the centre, underpasses were being tipped as the penultimate solution for traffic woes in the city.

The underpasses were to provide a clear passage underneath for traffic heading straight on the long stretch of roads, along the Madhya Marg and the Dakshin Marg, to begin with. Now with preparations for the underground metro within the city’s grid, of which Madhya Marg and Dakshin Marg are a part, the underpasses projects would require a re-look.

“Things would be clear once the Detailed Project report is drafted and the current situation is assessed. The important thing is that the metro would take a minimum of five years to become a reality and in the meantime, traffic would increase on the roads and some arrangements have to be made. All the projects should be analysed in that light,” said an officer.

‘No-vehicle zone possible only after parking lots come up’

THE pedestrians’ reverie of having a hassle-free walk at the Sector 17 Piaza, which the Administration is now contemplating to make no-vehicular zone, would have to wait until adequate parking lots come up around the area.

This was agreed upon by senior officials of the administration in a meeting held at the secretariat here.