Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Patients, attendants, doctors, and students crossing the busy road between the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) and Panjab University are set to get major relief soon, as the UT Administration’s Engineering Department has re-issued the long-pending tender for a pedestrian underpass project.
The estimated ₹8.4 crore project is planned to be completed within six months once the work begins. This is the second time the administration has floated the tender for the project.
The proposed underpass is aimed at ensuring safer and smoother movement for thousands of daily commuters who currently risk crossing the heavily congested road. Officials say the project will significantly reduce the chances of road accidents in the area.
Bigger Than Rose Garden Underpass, Designed for Heavy Footfall
According to the plan, the underpass will be around 14 metres wide and 32 metres long, making it even larger than the Sector-17 Rose Garden underpass. The wider structure is designed to handle high pedestrian traffic efficiently, allowing large groups to pass through simultaneously without congestion.
No Escalators, But Lifts and Ramps for Accessibility
Due to space constraints, escalators have been dropped from the design. Instead, lifts and ramps will be installed to ensure smooth access for elderly people, patients, and persons with disabilities. Wheelchair users will also be able to use the facility comfortably.
Commercial Booths and Modern Design Features
The revised design includes 12 commercial booths inside the underpass, down from the earlier proposal of 20. These booths are expected to offer essential services such as photocopying and other daily-use facilities for patients and students. The initiative will also generate additional revenue for the administration.
To enhance durability and aesthetics, the underpass will feature granite flooring, making it both attractive and long-lasting.
The project is expected to transform one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in Chandigarh into a safer and more organized transit corridor.
