Underpass, second flyover mooted.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has mooted two structures – a second flyover and an underpass at Edapally Junction, to overcome unprecedented traffic snarls following opening of a mega shopping mall at the junction.

A detailed proposal for a flyover connecting Marottichodu on NH 47 Bypass and Toll Junction was submitted to PWD, while finer details of the underpass are being worked out.

The DMRC had presented to PWD the concept report of a 550-metre-long underpass that would cost around Rs. 100 crore.

'The main advantage of underpass is that land acquisition is nil. Only underground utilities have to be relocated. A flyover needs ground clearance of 10 metres, while underpass needs clearance of seven metres. The upcoming flyover’s central span is 35 metres long and an underpass can be built beneath it without affecting any of its pillars,' DMRC officials said.

They further sought a second flyover having around 600-metre length linking NH 47 Bypass with NH 47 since around 50 per cent of vehicles that pass the junction ply along the Vyttila-Kalamassery corridor and back. Vehicles proceeding towards Kalamassery can use the flyover, while those in the return direction can use the road beneath that has to be widened.

Around 20 per cent ply to and from the city while, another 20 per cent use the Vyttila-NH 17 corridor. The flyover and underpass are aimed at smoothening flow of these vehicles.

This will leave ample space at the junction for the remaining 10 per cent vehicles that use the city-NH 17 corridor, they said.

The officials said that the main gate of the shopping mall facing NH 47 is posing a huge challenge to traffic management, especially during weekends and on days when there are special offers. It is ideal that both entry and exit be limited to the gate overlooking NH 17.

THE HINDU