4-Year Delay And Still Not In The Clear? Fate Of Indore's Much-Awaited Rs 350-Crore Flyover

Construction of the long-pending elevated corridor in Indore is finally set to commence after nearly four years of delay. The proposed corridor will run from LIG to Navlakha at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore, with authorities aiming to complete it within two years.

However, the project faces several technical, legal and logistical challenges. Questions have been raised regarding the corridor’s practicality and overall benefit. A petition challenging the project has been filed in the High Court, and the matter is scheduled for hearing on February 25.

Major Hurdles In The Project

The elevated corridor is proposed to be constructed above the existing BRTS corridor on AB Road. However, complications arise because when the BRTS was developed 15 years ago, a major Narmada water

pipeline was laid beneath it. In addition, large drainage lines pass through key intersections along the route.

If the elevated corridor is built, these pipelines and drainage lines will need to be relocated, a process expected to require significant time and expenditure.

Another major hurdle is the rocky terrain between Geeta Bhawan and the GPO intersection. Deep excavation will be required to lay the corridor’s pillars, and controlled blasting may be necessary. This will make traffic management even more complicated during construction.

Questions Over Utility And Cost

Atul Seth, who filed the petition in court, told Local18 that the initial survey showed the corridor’s utility at just 4%, as relatively few commuters travel the entire stretch of AB Road directly. Even after proposals to create arms at intersections, the projected utility increased to only 8%.

He questioned the logic of spending hundreds of crores and disturbing existing infrastructure for such limited benefit.

High Court Seeks Clarification

During the previous hearing, the High Court directed the Public Works Department (PWD) and other concerned departments to present detailed explanations regarding the project’s utility and survey findings. The court emphasised that its primary concern is public convenience.

One of the biggest challenges identified is traffic diversion. The elevated corridor is proposed along the same busy stretch currently used by the BRTS system. When the BRTS corridor was constructed 15 years ago, it was initially scheduled for completion in two years but ultimately took five years.

AB Road is one of Indore’s busiest routes, connecting Rajiv Gandhi Square to Vijay Nagar, and experiences heavy traffic flow throughout the day. Managing traffic without major disruption while construction is underway will be a significant task.

Foundation Work From February 15

According to Atul Seth, although the project was conceptualised four years ago, work was stalled due to design flaws and traffic-related concerns. Currently, soil testing is underway at the construction site.

Foundation work for the elevated corridor is scheduled to begin on February 15. The PWD maintains that if all processes proceed smoothly, the corridor can be completed within the targeted two-year timeframe.