New Ashram flyover despite L-G’s opposition

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) has decided to go ahead with the construction of Ashram-Lajpat Nagar flyover despite Lt-Governor Vijai Kapoor's reservations on its length.While Kapoor wanted the length of this 1.2-km-long flyover to be reduced by half, DTTDC has decided to stick to the original plan. Tenders for the project have already been invited and the bids would announced next week.The corporation has also invited Delhi state chief minister Sheila Dikshit to lay the foundation stone of the flyover on September 30.Even after Delhi Development Authority's technical committee and the Delhi Urban Art Commission approved the project, Kapoor asked DTTDC to reduce the length of the flyover.Said an official: ''The L-G's disapproval came after DTTDC had invited tenders for construction of the flyover.On 29 August, the tenders had to be opened and a pre- bid conference was planned for August 16. Kapoor's reservations were baseless and would have only delayed the project. It would have also escalated the cost of the flyover. So DTTDC decided to go ahead.''The Ashram-Lajpat Nagar flyover will be one of the longest in Delhi. A step towards making Ring Road a signal free zone, this flyover would allow free traffic flow through three traffic signals.DTTDC is spending Rs 62 crore on the project. The flyover would cut through Amar Colony crossing and the rail overbridge in Srinivaspuri.The construction of the flyover would start in October and is likely to be commissioned by September next year.This flyover will also take the increased traffic load from the DND toll bridge on Ring Road. With the construction of Lajpat Nagar flyover, these commuters would get easy access to Moolchand, Greater Kailash, Chirag Dilli and Saket.