Surat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has stepped up efforts to address traffic congestion in the upscale Piplod area of the city. The civic body’s bridge cell has proposed an expenditure of Rs 98.34 crore to ease vehicular pressure at SVNIT Circle and Kargil Chowk, two of the busiest junctions in Athwa Zone.

Traffic flow to and from Hazira and RTO Road has increased significantly following the opening of the cable-stayed bridge and the Pal–Umra bridge, leading to frequent congestion at these junctions during peak hours.

Based on a feasibility report prepared by Delf Engineers, the corporation has proposed constructing flyover bridges at both locations. The proposed flyover at SVNIT Circle will be around 620 meters long and is estimated to cost Rs 49.48 crore, while the 529-meter flyover at Kargil Chowk is projected to cost Rs 44.45 crore. Both structures will be four-lane flyovers, with two lanes in each direction.

Meanwhile, work will also be undertaken to relocate obstacles such as drainage lines, BRTS bus stations, and high-mast poles that may hinder construction. Additionally, modifications to the height of the Shaheed Smarak at Kargil Chowk and the sculpture at SVNIT Circle may be considered as per technical requirements.

The proposal has been forwarded to the SMC’s Public Works Department (PWD) committee for consideration. If approved and implemented, the flyovers are expected to ensure smoother and faster connectivity from Piplod towards Hazira and the airport. DeshGujarat