Land acquisition approval paves way for LIC Square viaduct

The district administration has approved land acquisition near LIC Square, which has paved the way for the construction of the new viaduct. The 5.6-km-long viaduct, stretching from Automotive Square to nearby LIC Square, has faced delays due to unresolved land acquisition issues. While the section up to Naidu Hospital has been completed, the portion between Naidu Hospital and LIC Square remains untouched due to these issues.

During the winter session of the state legislature, the traffic police had raised concerns about potential chaos if construction began amid heavy traffic. District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar has now resolved the land acquisition issue by allocating 2,700 square metres of land, comprising 17 properties, with compensation estimated at Rs 40 crore. The payments are expected to be made soon.

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), which is responsible for the viaduct, plans to complete the remaining ramp within two and a half months of receiving the land. The construction is crucial for creating a new service road under the viaduct, which is used extensively by local traffic. The height of the viaduct varies from 5.5 to 11.5 metres, and the final ramp near LIC Square is 200 metres long and 19 metres wide. Maha Metro says that over 80% of the viaduct construction has already been completed.

Currently, commuters from RBI Square to Automotive Square are facing inconvenience due to road closures caused by the poorly aligned landing structure of the Katol Road flyover. This has resulted in traffic being diverted via Coffee House Square and Gaddigodam Road. Local businesses including shops, schools, hospitals and Gurudwaras face challenges like traffic jams and limited accessibility on a daily basis.

Companies affected by the construction are demanding compensation for their losses. Once the flyover landing work is completed, traffic around Kasturchand Park will have to accommodate vehicles from the Katol Road flyover, the Automotive flyover and the two arms of the Y-shaped Kingsway flyover. Traffic congestion is already noticeable at RBI Square. Initially, the Kamptee Road flyover was supposed to land near the SFS Cathedral, but public opposition led to its relocation. The new ramp design is expected to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise disruption.

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