Flyover at Madhapar after Gondal Chowkdi, declares CM

Rajkot: A slew of announcements of infrastructure projects that would greatly impact Rajkot in particular and the other districts of Saurashtra in general were announced by chief minister Vijay Rupani and union minister Mansukh Mandaviya here on Saturday.
While laying the foundation stone of the Gondal Chowkdi flyover, Rupani announced flyover across the Madhapar Chowkdi on the other end of the 150-feet- Ring Road besides a cruse service connecting Porbandar, Somnath, Dwarka and Mandvi via sea route. Mandavia who was also present during the function announced widening of the Rajkot-Jetpur highway into six-lane.

The two flyovers at Gondal Chowkdi and Madhapar Chowkdi will significantly reduce the travel time for those from Rajkot and Ahmedabad wanting to go to Junagadh, Somnath, Jamnagar and Dwarka. The Madahpar Chowkdi is the main junction to reach the proposed site of AIIMS and the Khandheri cricket stadium in Rajkot.

The state government has claimed that flyover at Gondal Chowkdi will be Gujarat’s first elevated flyover built with single pier technology. It will be 1.2km long and cost Rs 88 crore.

While announcing the flyover on Madhapar Chowkdi, a major bottleneck before entering the Rajkot city, Rupani said, “Financial provision have been made to construct this over bridge in the coming budget.”

He added that the estimate cost for the flyover will be Rs 96 crore and government is in the process to finalize the design and float tenders in next 2-3 months.

Over the past five years, the Rajkot city has developed beyond Madhapar Chowkdi which is an important junction connecting Jamnagar, Dwarka and Rajkot with Morbi and Kutch.

A bypass from Ahmedabad going towards Rajkot city and Jamangar also converges at Madhapar Chowkdi. As a result this crossroad has become one of the busiest with movement of heavy vehicles like trucks and buses.

Meanwhile, another important crossroad for Rajkot, the Gondal Chowkdi is a nightmare for commuters because of the industrial development in the Shapar Industrial Area about 20km from Rajkot city. This road connects Porbandar, Junagadh and Somnath with Rajkot.

Municipal Commissioner Banccha Nidhi Pani said “RMC is giving land free of cost to construct the Gondal Chowkdi flyover. It will also have a ramp for BRTS connectivity.” The flyover is being constructed by National highway Authority of India (NHAI).

Union road and transport minister Mansukh Mandavia while announcing the widening of Rajkot-Jetpur highway said the 70-km stretch would soon be made into six-lane highway.

After construction of the Gondal Chowkdi flyover bridge and six-laning of Jetpur highway the travel time to Porbandar, Junagadh and Somnath from Rajkot will be reduce by one hour. The people from Ahmedabad going to Gir or Somnath will also reach their destinations early.

Rupani further said that state government was working to develop better sea connectivity in the state. “After Ghogha and Dahej, the Ro-Ro ferry service will also start from Pipavav port,” he added.