May 2019 new date for completion of TRC grade separator

Srinagar: Three years on, the grade separator at Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) junction, envisioned in 2009 as the solution for the traffic mess in the city centre,is still waiting for its completion.

The foundation stone for the grade separator was laid by former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in December 2015 and was to be completed by December 2016.

However, the unrest of 2016 that erupted after the killing of Hizb commander Burhan Wani delayed its completion as non-local labourers ran away.

In the past, the separator missed numerous deadlines. Presently, the work on the grade separator is going on at the sluggish pace

It is the part of ADB Loan II, Tranche 3 of Rs. 41.83 crore project, which also envisaged the construction of New Mehjoor Nagar bridge at Jawahar Nagar, whose foundation stone was also laid by former chief minister, Mufti Mohammad Saeed.

Mehjoor Nagar bridge has been thrown open for the vehicular traffic, giving respite to the commuters, but the opening of TRC grade separator still seems to be a distant a distant dream.

“We are really facing tough time. We fail to understand that why it has not been completed so far. The authorities should ensure its opening at an earliest,”said a commuter, Parvaiz Ahmad near radio station.

Another commuter, Bashir Ahmad at Sonwar said, “Two limbs, one towards TRC and the other one towards Residency Road will surly ease out traffic movement on it.”

“At present, the commuters often get stuck in traffic jams. After its opening, they would really take sigh of relief.”

Director, JKERA, Showkat Ahamd Wani said that the work has been going on in full swing.

He said that around 68% work stands completed adding that by May, the grade separator would be thrown open for vehicular traffic.

“The structure would be completed by the end of February, but the grade separator would be thrown open for the vehicles only after macadamization. Before May, macadamization cannot be done,”he said.