Construction of the flyover on at Rajmahal Square in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 12: Construction of the much-awaited flyover at Rajmahal Square has been delayed by a year. Sources in the public works department (PWD) said they now hope to complete it before the next monsoon.

Work on the project, which began in March 2009, initially had a March 2011 deadline. However, it has could not be completed because of a variety of reasons including the shifting of two statues from the site.

While one of the statues was in the path of the flyover, the other was located in a corner where a diversion is to be built for traffic movement. The location of vending zones also contributed to the delay.

In the past, when the PWD authorities were asked about the delay, they had assured that despite all problems, the work would be completed by December 2011. However, that did not happen because the two central pillars took six months more than the scheduled time to be erected. Last year’s incessant rain also posed a problem.

The central pillars have been built in such a manner that an integrated subway can be built on both sides, one leading towards Sishu Bhawan and the other towards Master Canteen Square. The eight-laning of the 800metre flyover would cost Rs 90 crore. However, according to a senior PWD engineer, the eight-lane road may take some more time.

“When we were building the structure, a provision was made to ensure that in future, a subway-like passage is available under its two central pillars. The extra dimensions needed time to construct,” said executive engineer of PWD division II Ranjit Sahu.

“Recently, we had a meeting chaired by the works secretary and it was decided that by May 31, the work will be complete. We hope to finish work by the time the monsoon arrives because the rains might further delay the work,” he said.

However, despite the PWD officials’ claims, people are not happy with the slow progress. They are also unhappy that the original layout of Rajmahal Square would change forever. “Had they planned things better, they would have not only completed the project on time, but also retained the identity of the place,” said a resident of the area.

Another resident said: “We have seen the face of Rajmahal change at least four times in the past. But this under-construction flyover has completely disfigured it.”

Structural engineering student Subhakanta Swain felt the authorities should have taken up the work in the mission mode. Had that happened, the pace of work would have been much better than that of similar projects taking place elsewhere, he added.