Jan. 5: The company assigned to build a ramp connecting the Parama and AJC Bose Road flyovers has got permission to start work on less than a sixth of the total length, fuelling concerns that such piecemeal clearances would further delay the project.

HCC, the private company which will execute the project, had wanted to start work simultaneously on all 25 pillars that will support the ramp through which vehicles will move from the Parama to the AJC Bose flyover.

It has got the nod to start work on just four.

The CMDA, the custodian of the flyover, has since July last year been re-examining the proposed design of the ramp to understand the load each of the pillars will have to bear.

While the agency has not officially stated the reason for re-examining a design that has already been approved, sources said the fatal collapse of the Vivekananda Road flyover in March 2015 had prompted the cautionary move.

"A team of experts has been scanning the proposed location of each of the pillar. The team has cleared four locations so far. We have conveyed it to the builders," one of the project heads from the CMDA told Metro.

"As and when the other locations are cleared, we will convey the message to the company that will build the ramp."

The company has opposed the practice of issuing clearances in instalments and has written to the CMDA to expedite the process of approving the design.

"The proposed ramp has already missed one deadline - July 2016. At this rate, we won't be able to finish work by 2018," an HCC official said.

The official said it was difficult to start work unless the CMDA cleared the locations of all 25 pillars.

"After several months of wait, the CMDA has given us permission to start piling job at four locations. We had sought permission for work at all 25 locations. Unless there is a nod for the entire stretch, it is difficult to start construction work," he said.

According to the ramp's design, approved back in 2015, the 1.1km west-bound structure would start near Topsia police station and run over Congress Exhibition Road, Nasiruddin Road and Circus Avenue before merging with the AJC Bose Road flyover.

"Since the structure would be at a handshaking distance from a number of buildings, the project planners want to be doubly sure about all aspects of the ramp design before clearing it," a CMDA official said.