Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the main tunnel and five underpasses of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project in New Delhi.
The Integrated Transit Corridor project is an integral part of the Pragati Maidan Redevelopment Project, which has been built at a cost of more than Rs 920 crore, entirely funded by the central government.
A PMO release said that the corridor is aimed at providing hassle-free and smooth access to the new world-class exhibition and convention centre being developed at Pragati Maidan to facilitate easy participation of exhibitors and visitors in the programmes held at the place.
"The impact of the project, however, will be much beyond Pragati Maidan as it will ensure hassle-free vehicular movement, helping save time and cost of commuters in a big way. It is part of the overarching vision of the government to ensure ease of living for people through transforming urban infrastructure," the release said.
The main tunnel connects Ring Road with India Gate via Purana Qila Road passing through Pragati Maidan.
The six-lane divided tunnel has multiple purposes, including access to the huge basement parking of Pragati Maidan.
The release said that a unique component of the tunnel is that two cross tunnels below the main tunnel road have been constructed in order to facilitate the movement of the traffic from either side of the parking lot.
"It is equipped with the latest global standard facilities for smooth movement of traffic such as smart fire management, modern ventilation and automated drainage, digitally controlled CCTV and Public Announcement system inside the Tunnel," the release said.
This long-awaited tunnel will serve as an alternative route to Bhairon Marg, which is running much beyond its carriage capacity and is expected to take more than half of the traffic load of Bhairon Marg.
Along with the tunnel, there will be six underpasses - four on Mathura Road, one on Bhairon Marg and one at the intersection of Ring Road and Bhairon Marg.
Central govt changing face of Delhi, modernising it: PM Modi
Speaking after inaugurating the main tunnel and five underpasses of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor project, PM Modi on Sunday asserted that modern development work being undertaken by the Centre is changing the face of Delhi and modernising the national capital.
Modi cited a number of initiatives, including Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways, more than doubling of metro tracks in Delhi-NCR and the Delhi-Meerut highway, among other things, as steps taken by his government to solve the region's problems.
Delhi has received a beautiful infrastructure gift from the central government, the prime minister said after inaugurating the project.
He noted that the project will help save 55 lakh litres of fuel and cut down pollution.
Modi said his government looks at increasing urbanisation as an opportunity and has been working to boost ease of living for the people.
"Time is money," Modi said, adding that if the government announces Rs 100 for people, then it makes headlines but if Rs 200 is saved, it is not talked about much.
Modi also lauded the artwork adorning the tunnel and underpasses and suggested that they should be closed for traffic for a few hours on Sundays so that people can walk and take a look at the art.
He added that he will also ask MPs to do so.
(With inputs from agencies)
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