Land Acquisition Approval Clears Path for LIC Square Flyover
The District Administration has approved the acquisition of land near LIC Square, clearing the path for the construction of a new flyover. This 5.6 km long flyover, stretching from Automotive Square to near LIC Square, had faced delays due to unresolved land acquisition issues. While the section to Naidu Hospital was finished, the part between Naidu Hospital and LIC Square remained untouched due to these issues.
During the Winter session of the State Legislature, concerns were raised by traffic police about potential chaos if construction started amid increased traffic. District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar has now resolved the land acquisition issue by awarding 2,700 square meters of land, involving 17 properties, with compensation estimated at Rs 40 crore. Payments are expected to be distributed soon.
The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), responsible for the flyover, plans to complete the remaining ramp within two and a half months of receiving the land. The construction is crucial to create a new service road below the flyover, which is heavily used by local traffic. The flyover ranges from 5.5 meters to 11.5 meters in height, with the final ramp near LIC Square being 200 meters long and 19 meters wide. Maha Metro reports that over 80% of the flyover construction is already completed.
Currently, commuters travelling from RBI Square to Automotive Square face disruptions due to road closures caused by a misaligned landing structure of the Katol Road flyover. This has diverted traffic through Coffee House Square and Gaddigodam Road. Local businesses, including shops, schools, hospitals, and a Gurudwara, are facing daily challenges such as traffic jams and reduced accessibility.
Businesses affected by the construction are requesting compensation for their losses. Once the flyover's landing work is complete, traffic flow around Kasturchand Park will need to accommodate vehicles from the Katol Road flyover, Automotive flyover, and two arms of the Kingsway Y-shaped flyover. Traffic congestion is already noticeable at RBI Square. Initially, the flyover on Kamptee Road was planned to land near SFS Cathedral, but public opposition led to a change in its location. The new ramp design aims to ensure smooth traffic movement and minimize disruptions.
