Surat: The first phase of the Outer Ring Road project, crucial for the city’s traffic connectivity, remains incomplete even after its extended deadline of 2024. Initially planned for completion by 2023, the project aims to link Gadhpur Road and Surat Kamrej Road with Mota Varachha, Bharathana, and Kosad, reducing traffic distance by about 10 kilometers.

On Friday, Minister of State for Education Praful Pansheriya reviewed the Outer Ring Road work along with other infrastructure projects in Varachha. The review included the road connecting the Tapi River Bridge at Valak-Abra via Gadhpur Road to Surat Kamrej Road and a railway overbridge linking Bharathana and Kosad. He met with officials from the Surat Urban Development Authority and Surat Municipal Corporation, inspecting works worth Rs 85.14 crore. The minister stated that the earlier contractor was blacklisted by the state government for negligence, and a new agency has been appointed to complete the work swiftly. The new contractor has been working rapidly over the past week.

The Outer Ring Road’s first phase covers a 17.31-kilometer stretch with an estimated construction cost of Rs 486 crore. The project includes vehicle underpasses, roadworks, structures, and a flyover bridge. Despite delays, once completed, the new connectivity will significantly ease traffic congestion. Learning from past operational difficulties during monsoons, the Municipal Corporation is also preparing preventive measures ahead of the next rainy season. DeshGujarat