Chandigarh: Commuters travelling along the stretch from Tribune Chowk to the Zirakpur border one of Chandigarh’s busiest and most congested routes, can soon expect relief from traffic jams. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has appointed a consultancy agency to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed flyover project extending from Poultry Farm Chowk to the Zirakpur border. The estimated cost of this project, spanning approximately 4.5 kilometers, is around ₹300 crore. The agency is expected to submit its report to the Ministry within the next three months.
According to officials, constructing a single, continuous flyover directly from the GMCH-32 Chowk to the Zirakpur border to streamline traffic on NH-05 was not feasible, as a railway overbridge already exists near Poultry Farm Chowk. For this reason, the project has been divided into two distinct sections.
Relief from Traffic Congestion Expected
Under the proposed plan, the first flyover will be constructed at Tribune Chowk, while the second will commence near the existing railway overbridge and extend up to the recently constructed flyover at the Zirakpur border. This initiative is expected to provide relief from the traffic congestion frequently experienced at Poultry Farm Chowk, the Hallo Majra light point, and the Old Airport light point.
Entire Stretch to Become Signal-Free
Once the flyovers are completed, the entire route from Tribune Chowk to the Zirakpur border will become signal-free. Currently, heavy traffic congestion on this route is a common occurrence during the morning and evening office rush hours. We will conduct a comprehensive study of the existing road infrastructure, evaluate various design options, and recommend the most suitable model from both technical and economic perspectives.
High Court Puts Stay on Tree Felling
The petitioner contended that, under Master Plan-2031, Chandigarh is envisioned to be developed as a city that is pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly. The flyover could potentially impact the city’s visual identity and non-motorized transport infrastructure.
However, the administration argued in court that the construction of flyovers is permitted under the Master Plan and that only the area spanning Sectors 1 through 30 falls within the Heritage Zone. The administration further stated that the process of planting 2,799 trees at a ratio of 5:1 has already been initiated to mitigate environmental impact.
Construction to Begin in May 2026
According to the administration, the contract for the Tribune Chowk flyover has been awarded to Singla Construction for ₹147.98 crore, which is approximately 31 percent lower than the estimated cost. This project, spanning approximately 1.6 kilometers, will also incorporate a rotary and an underpass.
Construction work is scheduled to commence in May 2026, with a target set for completion within the subsequent two years. Currently, approximately 143,000 vehicles predominantly passenger vehicles pass through Tribune Chowk daily. Once the flyover is constructed, residents are expected to experience significant relief from the severe traffic congestion that currently plagues the area.