NOIDA: The Noida Authority has issued a tender for constructing an underpass at the Sector 52/71 crossing along MP Road 3. The underpass will give a much-needed respite from traffic snarls to commuters travelling in sectors 51, 52, 71, 72, and moving towards City Centre, Mamura and Sector 62.The need for an underpass at the junction has been compounded by the fact that the crossing is located near the upcoming metro stations of Sector 52 (Blue Line) and Sector 71 (Aqua Line), both of which are expected to be operational this year. The underpass will be developed in 18 months and cost Rs 53 crore.The crossing where the underpass will come up is a junction for vehicles headed to Sector 62 from City Centre and from Mamura Chowk to sectors 71, 72. During rush hours, commuters are often stuck in traffic snarls in the area. Autos parked in a haphazard manner add to the mess. In the absence of sufficient traffic police personnel, people often jump signals and create a chaos.Authority officials said the underpass would have two lanes on either side. As part of the project, the contractor chosen through tender will construct diaphragm walls, make an arrangement for sufficient drainage, create a sump for collecting water and even set up a pump house. Unauthorised structures, hoardings and posters along the stretch will also be dismantled before the construction starts. Residents welcomed the move, but also sounded a caution for the Authority to ensure the construction doesn’t hinder traffic movement. “We face traffic jams during rush hour every day at the spot. The construction of the underpass is a welcome move. But the Noida Authority should ensure that the development work and excavation do not lead to traffic mess in the area. They need to take appropriate steps, including traffic diversions, to facilitate seamless commuting,” said N P Singh, the president of Federation of Noida RWAs (FONRWA).Those applying for a tender will have to detail plans covering all steps pertaining to temporary work, traffic diversion plan, guide walls, shuttering and transportation of materials. The development work should be planned in such a manner that they do not obstruct the existing roads and other utilities.In March 2018, a committee headed by Noida Authority CEO Alok Tandon had observed the need for long-term and short-term steps to address the city’s traffic issues. Long-term measures included construction of six new underpasses — at the Sector 52/71 crossing, Sector 49/47 on Dadri Road, Sector 62/63, and three underpasses on Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Short-term measures included setting up speed breakers, renovating traffic signs and signals, especially near schools and hospitals.

Stay updated with all the Noida Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.