Inordinate delay in shifting of 132 KV power line hits Sanat Nagar flyover construction

Srinagar, Mar 28: The long-awaited Sanat Nagar flyover along the Srinagar expressway bypass on National Highway 44 (NH44) has encountered a significant infrastructure challenge that threatens to derail its anticipated completion.

Critical power infrastructure has emerged as a major obstacle, with a crucial 132 KV power line currently positioned directly over the under-construction flyover, forcing engineers and administrators to confront a complex technical dilemma.

Officials have revealed that the existing power line's positioning necessitates a critical height adjustment to prevent potential safety hazards.

The project, which has been closely watched by local commuters, now faces uncertainty as its April 2025 completion deadline hangs in the balance.

A senior official from the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL), speaking on condition of anonymity, provided insights into the challenging situation. "There is a proposal to raise the height of the power line," the official explained, "but removing or dislocating it is not feasible due to the proximity of the grid station." The complexity of the issue lies in the delicate balance between infrastructure safety and technical constraints.

The official further elaborated on the ongoing efforts, stating, "We have submitted the proposal for the necessary works, but it hinges on acquiring land, which has yet to be resolved. As things stand, the threat remains that if the height is not raised, it may lead to serious mishaps." A formal proposal for land acquisition has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, marking a critical step in addressing the infrastructure challenge.

The looming power line issue has raised pressing questions among project officials, particularly regarding why the height adjustment was not addressed during the initial planning phases. This oversight has now become a significant point of concern as the project's deadline approaches.

The project is part of a broader initiative by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), which proposed constructing three short-distance flyovers along NH44 back in 2020 to enhance traffic flow at crucial intersections including Bemina, Sanat Nagar, and Nowgam.

While the flyovers at Nowgam and Bemina intersections were successfully completed and opened to traffic earlier last year, the Sanat Nagar flyover has faced considerable delays. An official from the Roads and Buildings Department explained that "the construction of the other grade separators progressed swiftly, but the work on the Sanat Nagar flyover was delayed due to approval issues."

Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin, provided additional context to the land acquisition challenges. "There was an issue of land acquisition," he stated. "As the project falls on National Highway, the land acquisition has to be done as per the NH Act, which mandates that the notification has to be issued on the Gazette of India for acquiring land. That has been done now, and hopefully, the project will be completed soon."

For local commuters, the significance of this project cannot be overstated. The Sanat Nagar intersection has historically been a major source of frustration, characterized by daunting traffic bottlenecks that have long impeded smooth transportation. The completion of this flyover is expected to significantly alleviate congestion along the Srinagar expressway bypass, promising relief to thousands of daily commuters.

As the April deadline approaches, all eyes are on the local administration and infrastructure developers to see how they will navigate the complex challenges posed by the power line infrastructure.