Jaipur Development Authority to Revive Shelved Elevated Road Project
Thirteen years after the shelving of an ambitious elevated road project, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has announced its plans to revive the project. The proposed elevated road will connect the Collectorate Circle and the Raj Mahal Palace Hotel crossing on Sardar Patel Marg, easing traffic congestion in the area.
Feasibility Study Underway
According to JDA officials, a detailed feasibility study report for the project is currently underway. This report will outline the viability and potential challenges of constructing the elevated road. The JDA is confident that the elevated road project will be finalized after the completion of the feasibility study.
Tender to Be Floated Soon
Once the feasibility study is complete, the JDA intends to float tenders for the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The DPR will provide a comprehensive outline of the project, including the design, cost estimation, and timeline for construction.
Revisiting Past Challenges
Members of the JDA recalled that this project was initially proposed by the then Congress government back in 2009. A DPR was prepared, and a tender was issued for construction in 2011. However, objections raised by a hotel at Khasa Kothi Circle led to the project being shelved by the state government.
New Budget Allocation
In the recent state Budget, it was announced that the elevated road would be constructed at a revised cost of Rs 4 billion, requiring an additional expenditure of at least Rs 2.50 billion. This allocation of funds highlights the commitment of the government towards reviving and completing the project.
Concerns and Considerations
While JDA officials remain optimistic about the successful completion of the elevated road, some engineers have expressed concerns about its viability. One notable point of contention is the issue of the metro lines, as construction for Line 1 of the Jaipur Metro began several years ago. It is unclear whether the elevated road can be constructed over the existing metro lines or if alternative solutions will be proposed in the feasibility report. Ultimately, the development of the project hinges on the findings outlined in the feasibility report which will address these questions and concerns.
Conclusion
The revival of the shelved elevated road project by the Jaipur Development Authority is a significant step towards mitigating the traffic woes in the area. With the completion of the feasibility study and upcoming tender for the Detailed Project Report, the JDA aims to overcome past obstacles and provide a much-needed infrastructure solution for the city.
