STUP CONSULTANT’S DATA Not much traffic volume difference elsewhere Ramkrishan Upadhyay Chandigarh, December 9 While the UT has decided to construct a flyover at Tribune Chowk at a cost of Rs 137 crore, experts say it will create a mess at other chowks on the national highway, defeating the aim of ensuring seamless traffic on the national highway up to Zirarkpur. A traffic survey conducted by STUP consultant had revealed that there was not much of a difference in the traffic volume at four roundabouts on the national highway up to Zirakpur. As per the detailed project report, a copy of which is in the possession of The Tribune, the consultant carried out the traffic survey in two categories — total volume of traffic (daily) and peak hour volume. The survey was conducted from February 12, 2018, to February 23, 2018. The data shows that the total volume of daily traffic at the Tribune roundabout was 2,04,405. The other roundabout was not far behind in traffic congestion. The total volume at the GMCH roundabout was 1,74,850 and at the Hallo Majra roundabout, it was 1,73,940. The total volume of traffic at the Hallo Majra light point was 1,27,373. Likewise, the difference in the peak hour traffic was also not much. As per the data, the peak hour volume of traffic at Tribune Chowk was 12,510 followed by the GMCH roundabout at 12,202. The peak hour traffic volume at Hallo Majra Chowk was 12,328. Surinder Bahga, an architect, said if one was to go by the report of the consultant appointed by the Administration, a flyover would have to be constructed at every roundabout in the city. Bahga said despite the construction of a flyover, 28,000 vehicles coming from Delhi would still be coming at the GMCH roundabout. So what was the justification in constructing a flyover on just one roundabout. He said the Tribune flyover would create more traffic chaos at the GMCH chowk and at the Hallo Majra chowk. Traffic volume as per a survey Tribune Chowk 2,04,405 Delhi side 58,768 Chandigarh side 60,434 Panchkula side 45,038 Mohali side 40,190 GMCH Chowk 1,74,850 Tribune side 48,949 Gurdwara side 48,588 Sector 46 side 40,242 Sai Mandir side 37,072

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