Bhangel elevated road in Noida unlikely to complete before year end

The Bhangel elevated road in Noida, which has been pending for a long time, is unlikely to be completed before the new deadline of December 2023. The work is progressing slowly and more than 30% of the construction is yet to be completed. Considering the slow progress, the Noida Authority has recently rejected a request by the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation (UPSCB), which is constructing the road, for a hike in funds. The board requested the original budget of ₹468 crore to be increased by ₹150 crore. The original deadline to complete the 5.5-km-long road project was December 2022 and it was later shifted to December 2023. The officials cite the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to fight winter pollution, and the time taken for shifting utility lines and networks as the key reasons for the inordinate delay. According to some officials, the Noida Authority's decision to change the design of the elevated road also resulted in dragging the project. The road goes over the Dadri road that passes through Barola and Bhangel villages. The authority tweaked the design by adding four loops, instead of two loops, towards Sector 107 and Sector 78 roads for entry and exit. Once completed, the elevated road will offer a smooth and signal-free commute from the Sector 49 intersection to Phase II. The delay has resulted in heavy traffic congestion in the area, causing difficulties to commuters. Also Read JSW Infra announced expansion plans at NMPT Bengaluru-Chennai expressway likely to be ready by August