Raipur: Lying in limbo for nearly 8 years and mired by controversies and probes in the past, the state capital's long-stalled skywalk project is set to resume as the public works department (PWD) has sanctioned funds for the project.
The project has been a subject of dispute and political contention for a long time.
The PWD has now initiated the tender process to complete the structure, which remained unfinished since 2017. An amount of Rs 37.75 crore has been approved for the project, which is 20.17% higher than the previously estimated cost.
A History Of Contentions
Initially budgeted at Rs 35 crore, the project's cost escalated to approximately Rs 77 crore due to delays and modifications. Construction commenced in 2017, with over 70% completed by 2019. But the project was halted by incoming Congress govt, which cited allegations of procedural irregularities and concerns over its utility, structural integrity. Subsequent investigations by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) were initiated to examine these issues.
Shape Of The Structure
Taken up again, the approximately 1.5 km long skywalk will have escalators at 12 points for ascent and descent, along with staircases. Additionally, separate staircases will be constructed at two locations. According to an order issued by the PWD on Thursday, the work has been assigned to a Raipur-based construction company.
The department has also issued instructions to pay special attention to the quality of work, design, and environmental standards this time. Along with the prompt commencement of work under administrative approval, it has also been directed to ensure timely completion.
Paving Way For Pedestrians
The objective was to ease pedestrian traffic congestion in busy areas such as the railway station, Shastri Chowk, and Jai Stambh Chowk, and to give the city a modern look.
However, the project stalled due to various technical and administrative hurdles during the construction phase.
Survey Records 40k Footfall
Patients at Ambedkar Hospital will be able to reach DKS Hospital without getting stuck in traffic via the skywalk. For this, a lift will be installed at the connecting point between the two hospitals. A section of the skywalk descends into the DKS Hospital premises. A rotary will be constructed on the Shastri Chowk side of the skywalk, allowing people to ascend and descend at any point around the entire square.
Girder work has been completed in several sections, and RCC slabs will be laid over the flooring. Tiles will be placed on the slabs, and steel railings will be installed on both sides.
Polycarbonate sheets will be installed on the upper part to provide protection from rain and sun. Commuters to nearby govt offices are also expected to get relief. A survey conducted seven years ago indicated that an average of over 40,000 people travel on foot around Shastri Chowk daily. The skywalk structure is ready from the multi-level parking at Jaistambh Chowk to Shastri Chowk and the gate of Ambedkar Hospital.
An inspection by PWD officials revealed that ACP sheets, aluminium frames, and divider railings have been stolen from several places on the bridge.
The steel and nut bolts installed in the bridge are intact.
The work on welding, painting, flooring, hood, and flooring fixing is incomplete. Due to being in the open, several parts have also rusted due to rain and heat. Conceived during the 2016–17 tenure of the BJP-led govt under CM Raman Singh, the project aimed to alleviate pedestrian congestion at key intersections like Shastri Chowk and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital Chowk.
A pedestrian survey conducted in Oct 2016 indicated that 14,000 pedestrians passed through Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital Chowk and 27,000 through Shastri Chowk daily, with numbers increasing to 25,095 and 35,920 respectively by May 2019.
In July 2024, the Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP govt decided to resume and complete the skywalk construction, adhering to the original design.
The project is now expected to move towards completion in the state capital.
Raipur: Lying in limbo for nearly 8 years and mired by controversies and probes in the past, the state capital's long-stalled skywalk project is set to resume as the public works department (PWD) has sanctioned funds for the project.
The project has been a subject of dispute and political contention for a long time.
The PWD has now initiated the tender process to complete the structure, which remained unfinished since 2017. An amount of Rs 37.75 crore has been approved for the project, which is 20.17% higher than the previously estimated cost.
A History Of Contentions
Initially budgeted at Rs 35 crore, the project's cost escalated to approximately Rs 77 crore due to delays and modifications. Construction commenced in 2017, with over 70% completed by 2019. But the project was halted by incoming Congress govt, which cited allegations of procedural irregularities and concerns over its utility, structural integrity. Subsequent investigations by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) were initiated to examine these issues.
Shape Of The Structure
Taken up again, the approximately 1.5 km long skywalk will have escalators at 12 points for ascent and descent, along with staircases. Additionally, separate staircases will be constructed at two locations. According to an order issued by the PWD on Thursday, the work has been assigned to a Raipur-based construction company.
The department has also issued instructions to pay special attention to the quality of work, design, and environmental standards this time. Along with the prompt commencement of work under administrative approval, it has also been directed to ensure timely completion.
Paving Way For Pedestrians
The objective was to ease pedestrian traffic congestion in busy areas such as the railway station, Shastri Chowk, and Jai Stambh Chowk, and to give the city a modern look.
However, the project stalled due to various technical and administrative hurdles during the construction phase.
Survey Records 40k Footfall
Patients at Ambedkar Hospital will be able to reach DKS Hospital without getting stuck in traffic via the skywalk. For this, a lift will be installed at the connecting point between the two hospitals. A section of the skywalk descends into the DKS Hospital premises. A rotary will be constructed on the Shastri Chowk side of the skywalk, allowing people to ascend and descend at any point around the entire square.
Girder work has been completed in several sections, and RCC slabs will be laid over the flooring. Tiles will be placed on the slabs, and steel railings will be installed on both sides.
Polycarbonate sheets will be installed on the upper part to provide protection from rain and sun. Commuters to nearby govt offices are also expected to get relief. A survey conducted seven years ago indicated that an average of over 40,000 people travel on foot around Shastri Chowk daily. The skywalk structure is ready from the multi-level parking at Jaistambh Chowk to Shastri Chowk and the gate of Ambedkar Hospital.
An inspection by PWD officials revealed that ACP sheets, aluminium frames, and divider railings have been stolen from several places on the bridge.
The steel and nut bolts installed in the bridge are intact.
The work on welding, painting, flooring, hood, and flooring fixing is incomplete. Due to being in the open, several parts have also rusted due to rain and heat. Conceived during the 2016–17 tenure of the BJP-led govt under CM Raman Singh, the project aimed to alleviate pedestrian congestion at key intersections like Shastri Chowk and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital Chowk.
A pedestrian survey conducted in Oct 2016 indicated that 14,000 pedestrians passed through Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital Chowk and 27,000 through Shastri Chowk daily, with numbers increasing to 25,095 and 35,920 respectively by May 2019.
In July 2024, the Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP govt decided to resume and complete the skywalk construction, adhering to the original design.
The project is now expected to move towards completion in the state capital.
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