Punjab and Haryana High Court cancels Tribune Chowk flyover project, suggests underpass alternative
PTC Web Desk: In a major setback to the Chandigarh Administration, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has cancelled the proposed flyover project from Tribune Chowk to Zirakpur, ruling that it violates the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031.
The court observed that the master plan does not contain any provision for the construction of flyovers within the city. Instead, the High Court suggested that the administration may consider building an underpass to address increasing traffic congestion in the area.
The verdict comes days after the High Court had imposed a stay on the cutting of trees required for the flyover project. The decision was delivered after hearing all parties involved in the matter.
The flyover proposal had been challenged through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which argued that the project was contrary to Chandigarh’s urban planning vision and heritage status. The petitioners contended that the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031 promotes a pedestrian-friendly and cycle-friendly city, and the construction of a flyover would go against those objectives.
The petition further highlighted environmental concerns, claiming that thousands of trees would have been cut for the project, adversely impacting the city’s ecological balance.
During the proceedings, the Chandigarh Administration defended the project by stating that five trees were being planted in place of every tree cut. The administration also argued that the flyover was necessary to tackle the city’s growing traffic pressure.
Notably, the High Court had earlier lifted a temporary stay on the project and allowed preliminary work to proceed. However, after detailed hearings and consideration of the Chandigarh Master Plan and the city’s heritage character, the court has now set aside the flyover proposal.
The court, while rejecting the flyover plan, maintained that alternative traffic management measures such as an underpass could still be explored by the administration.
- PTC NEWS
