Pedestrian flyovers to keep walking safe

SUBASH RAI
GANGTOK, 15 April: The Urban Development & Housing Department has begun initiatives to avert accidents involving pedestrians along the National Highway, especially at junctions approaching schools areas.
Work on the long pending demand for a flyover at Deorali has begun; the project pegged at an estimated Rs. 6 crores.
“We are hopeful that this four-way pedestrian flyover will be ready for public use by August this year,” the UD&HD Minister, DB Thapa, informs.
He further informed that two more flyovers, one each at the Tashi Namgyal Academy gate and Tadong Senior Secondary School, will be initiated within this financial year itself.

“Most probably, the construction work of these two flyovers will be completed within 2012,” he said.
He further informed that his Department is aware of the fact that some more points like Zero Point, Bansilal Petrol Pump, the Truck Stand at Deorali, Convoy Ground, Holy Cross School gate and Ranipool Bazaar are also in need of a pedestrian flyovers.
“The Government cannot disburse such a huge budget in a single year, so the rest of the areas will be covered in the next financial year,” he assured.
Besides, the Department has already issued work order for a walk-way from Namnang to Deorali at an estimated cost of around Rs. 12 crores.
“This walk-way will connect Namnang with Deorali and include infrastructure for cafeterias and viewpoints to be developed along it,” he informs.
A fashion street along the National Highway from Deorali to Tenzing & Tenzing via Panihouse is on the offing as well.
“If these projects are completed, tourists as well as residents can enjoy a pleasant walk from MG Marg to Deorali and back to MG Marg via Panihouse,” he said, adding that the ropeway will play a vital role in imparting extra amusement to the visitors.
The Minister further informed that work is underway for a multipurpose car park in front of the Forest Secretariat at Deorali.
Though, the Department was receiving several complaints with regard to construction of the Deorali flyover, the Minister appealed to the residents to be more patient and accommodating since these were major projects which will serve the people.