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Chandigarh’s Tribune Chowk flyover project is set to move ahead as Singla Constructions is selected as L1 bidder for the Rs 147 crore work. Work may begin in May pending MoRTH nod
With bids finalised and administrative approvals in progress, the Tribune Chowk flyover is now closer than ever to execution. (AI Generated)
After years of delays, Chandigarh’s first flyover at Tribune Chowk is finally moving towards execution, with the UT Administration selecting Panchkula-based Singla Constructions, which emerged as the lowest (L1) bidder for the project.
The firm quoted Rs 147 crore, which has now been accepted, marking a major step forward for the long-pending infrastructure plan.
Proposal Sent To MoRTH For Final Approval
According to a report in the Indian Express, the Union Territory administration has forwarded the details of the selected agency to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for final approval. However, official communication from the Ministry is still awaited.
A senior officer from the Chandigarh Engineering Department stated that construction is expected to begin in May, subject to clearance from MoRTH. Once formally awarded, the project is scheduled to be completed within two years.
Chief Secretary Reviews Project Progress
On Thursday, Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad reviewed the status of the project and sought updates from the Secretary (Engineering). Officials informed him that the proposal for constructing a flyover, rotary, and underpass at Tribune Chowk has already been submitted to MoRTH to address severe traffic congestion in the area.
The administration has indicated that work will commence in May after receiving the necessary approval from the Ministry.
Seven-Year Delay And Legal Roadblocks
The Tribune Chowk flyover project has faced repeated delays over the past seven years due to multiple hurdles, including environmental concerns and legal challenges.
A petition filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court led to a stay on tree felling, which significantly stalled the project for years. The stay, imposed on November 20, 2019, halted the cutting of nearly 700 trees planned along the Dakshin Marg and Purv Marg corridors.
The High Court later lifted the stay on May 1 last year, allowing the project to move forward again.
Design And Traffic Decongestion Plan
The proposed flyover will span approximately 1.6 km and is aimed at easing heavy traffic congestion at Tribune Chowk, one of Chandigarh’s busiest junctions.
According to initial planning, nearly 1.50 lakh vehicles pass through the stretch daily, including around 1.35 lakh passenger vehicles. The flyover alignment is designed to begin about 200 metres beyond the GMCH-32 roundabout, pass over Tribune Chowk on National Highway-5, and extend up to 300 metres beyond the existing railway overbridge on Dakshin Marg.
The administration received 12 bids after tenders were floated in February this year, before finalising Singla Constructions as the lowest bidder.
Cost Revision And Project Evolution
The project has seen significant cost revisions over time. Initially approved by MoRTH on February 11, 2019, the estimated cost was substantially lower. However, after delays, environmental concerns, and inflation adjustments, the UT Engineering Department revised the estimate to Rs 245 crore before inviting fresh tenders.
Eventually, Singla Constructions emerged as the L1 bidder with a final quoted cost of Rs 147 crore.
Environmental Concerns And Public Opposition
The project has also faced criticism from activists and environmental concerns due to the proposed felling of nearly 700 trees.
Activist Paveela Bali expressed concern over the reduced project cost, questioning the sharp difference between earlier estimates and the current bid. While she stated she was not against the flyover itself, she raised concerns about its alignment and the environmental impact, particularly tree removal.
Major Infrastructure Push After Long Wait
With bids finalised and administrative approvals in progress, the Tribune Chowk flyover is now closer than ever to execution. Once started in May, the project is expected to significantly reshape traffic flow in Chandigarh’s key transit corridor and provide long-awaited relief to daily commuters.
Chandigarh, India, India
April 17, 2026, 15:19 IST
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