Chandigarh admn okays ₹12 crore for PGIMER-PU underpass, work to start by April-end

The underpass, first approved by former UT administrator VP Singh Badnore in November 2019, had run into multiple bureaucratic hurdles over the past over five years, leading to the delay.

The long-pending underpass between the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) and Panjab University (PU) is finally moving closer to reality with the UT administration approving ₹12.31 crore for the project.

Once complete, the underpass is expected to offer safe passage to nearly 10,000 pedestrians, mostly PU students and PGIMER patients, who cross the stretch on a daily basis, braving the heavy vehicular movement. (HT File)

The underpass, first approved by former UT administrator VP Singh Badnore in November 2019, had run into multiple bureaucratic hurdles over the past over five years, leading to the delay.

A senior official revealed that a detailed notice inviting tender (DNIT) is being prepared and is in its final stages.

“Once the tender document is ready, we will invite bids. We are hopeful that we can start the underpass construction by April-end,” the officer said. The project is likely to be complete within nine months from the start of construction, subject to weather conditions and site clearances

Once complete, the underpass is expected to offer safe passage to nearly 10,000 pedestrians, mostly PU students and PGIMER patients, who cross the stretch on a daily basis, braving the heavy vehicular movement.