Chandigarh: After years of delays, the long-pending Tribune Chowk flyover project in Chandigarh has moved a step closer to reality. The Chandigarh Administration has sent the final proposal for the flyover, rotary and underpass to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for approval. Officials said construction work is likely to begin in May once formal clearance is received.
The project is considered one of the most important traffic improvement plans in the city. Tribune Chowk is one of Chandigarh’s busiest intersections, where heavy traffic from different directions meets daily. Officials estimate that nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles pass through the junction every day.
Because of this constant rush, commuters often face long traffic jams, delays and congestion during peak hours. The proposed flyover is expected to reduce travel time and improve movement for vehicles entering and leaving the city.
The latest update was shared during a review meeting chaired by UT Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad. Senior officers from various departments attended the meeting to discuss major development works and administrative matters.
According to officials, the project had remained stuck for several years due to legal and procedural hurdles. However, after fresh progress in approvals, authorities are now hopeful that construction can begin soon.
The Tribune Chowk flyover was first planned in 2016 as a solution to growing traffic pressure. Since then, Chandigarh’s road traffic has increased sharply, making the need for the project even more urgent.
Initially, the project cost was estimated at ₹137 crore in 2019. However, because of repeated delays and rising construction costs, the estimated amount has now increased to around ₹200 crore. This means the cost has gone up by nearly 45 per cent over seven years.
The proposal was formally approved in 2019 after traffic studies recommended a flyover at the location. At that time, the project cost was revised to ₹183.74 crore and a tender was floated.
However, work could not begin after a legal challenge was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The case was related to the cutting of nearly 700 mature trees along Dakshin Marg and Purv Marg.
The petition was filed by RUN Club, an organisation that raised environmental concerns over the large number of trees likely to be affected by the project.
On November 20, 2019, the High Court stayed the execution of the project. This order effectively stopped construction work for several years.
The administration later pursued the matter, and the stay was finally vacated by the High Court on April 30, 2024. After that decision, officials restarted planning and moved the project forward again.
Now, after further clearances and technical work, the proposal has been sent to the Centre for final approval.
The planned flyover will be around 1.6 kilometres long. It will begin after the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32 roundabout, and continue ahead of the railway overbridge on Dakshin Marg.
Once completed, the structure is expected to allow smoother movement of through traffic while reducing pressure at the main intersection below.
Experts believe the flyover could help cut waiting times, lower fuel wastage caused by traffic jams and reduce pollution from idling vehicles.
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During the same meeting, officials also reviewed several other infrastructure projects across Chandigarh.
One important issue discussed was the long-pending demand to remove the railway level crossing used by residents of Baltana and Makhan Majra.
Officials said Chandigarh Administration has deposited ₹6.5 crore with the Railways to help begin work quickly. This step is expected to improve traffic movement and reduce delays caused by closed railway gates.
Another major project involves educational infrastructure at Punjab Engineering College (PEC). Authorities said the tendering process for a new hostel block has already started, and construction is expected to begin in May.
The proposed hostel is likely to help improve accommodation facilities for students and strengthen campus infrastructure.
Officials also shared an update on the Punjab University/PGI underpass project. The tendering process for this work is expected to begin shortly, while construction may start in June.
A joint site inspection has already been carried out by officers from the Municipal Corporation, Engineering Department and other concerned agencies.
This inspection focused on planning for utility shifting, road alignment and execution of the project.
The Chief Secretary directed all departments to strictly follow timelines for these development works and avoid unnecessary delays.
He also instructed departments to speed up recruitment for vacant government posts.
In addition, the Tourism Department was asked to take early steps for organising concerts at the earmarked venue in Sarangpur.
The Tribune Chowk flyover remains one of Chandigarh’s most watched civic projects because of its direct impact on daily commuters.
Thousands of office workers, students, hospital visitors and transporters use the route every day. Many residents believe the project should have been completed years ago.
If final approval comes soon and work starts in May, the city may finally see progress on a project that has remained stuck for nearly seven years.
For Chandigarh commuters, the beginning of construction would mark an important milestone toward easing one of the city’s biggest traffic bottlenecks.
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