PWD to get New Town flyover project from KMDA

Kolkata: In a significant move, the state government has decided to hand over the proposed EM Bypass to New Town Flyover project from the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) to the state Public Works Department (PWD) .Sources from the state secretariat said that the issue was recently discussed at the high-level committee meeting chaired by the state chief secretary. “A process has been initiated for KMDA to pass on the final design and route alignment and officially hand over the proposed flyover project to PWD authorities for them to work upon before tenders could be floated," said a government official. With future plans to dismantle Chingrighata flyover due to its distressed structure, the state government is now trying to fast track the process to give administrative approval and financial sanction for the proposed flyover, which will serve as an alternative arrangement. Conceptualised in 2013, KMDA had earlier prepared the detailed project report of the proposed flyover. "The entire survey and base work to prepare and zero in on the design and alignment of the proposed flyover was done by KMDA. KMDA also pursued to get environment clearance by the ministry of environment, forest and climate change," said a senior government official. Officials said that the state government was looking for possible funding options to implement the proposed flyover pegged at Rs 727 crore. As per the final DPR prepared by KMDA, the flyover is to take off from near Metropolitan Crossing and will move over Chingrighata, Salt Lake Bypass, Sector V and Mahisbathan, crossing over a very small portion of the wetlands before ending at street number 2222 of New Town. According to the government sources, the state government had been planning the project to be funded under central government schemes. Funding options from Asian Development Bank or World Bank were also being explored, sources added.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Daughter's Day wishes, messages and quotes !