Infra projects in Noida delayed till Lok Sabha elections are over

As the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha 2019 elections has come into effect, several infrastructure projects in Noida are set to get delayed. These projects include an elevated road to be built above the Dadri-Surajpur-Chhalera road and three new underpasses across the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway.

The authority will be able to issue new tenders and announce the projects only after May 23, when the results are announced.

“We have decided to stop issuing tenders with immediate effect due to the model code of conduct coming into effect on March 10 evening. We will start the tendering process for the elevated road and the underpasses besides other new projects after the model of conduct is lifted by the election commission,” KK Aggarwal, general manager of the Noida authority, said.

The Noida authority, in February 2019, had issued tenders to select a private agency for the construction of the three underpasses across the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. The move was aimed at benefiting thousands of commuters, who face congestion while crossing over from one side to the other.

A survey by the Noida authority in 2014 had suggested that there should be five more underpasses on the expressway to decongest this high-speed link. Around one lakh commuters use the link daily as it also connects to the 165km Yamuna Expressway.

Apart from that, the Noida authority, in January 2019, had started the process to select a contractor for constructing 2.5km elevated road above Bhangel to offer a seamless ride on the Dadri-Surajpur-Chhalera (DSC) road. But now, the authority cannot go ahead with the process until the Lok Sabha elections are over.

“As per rules, we cannot open tenders and hire contractors to construct the elevated road and underpasses. Also, we have put all our road construction and other projects on hold till the election process is over. We will restart the process after May 23,” Aggarwal said.

Meanwhile, various government agencies, including the Noida authority, have started removing advertisement hoardings put up by political parties across the city. “We have stopped work on all kinds of new projects because, now, our focus is to remove all political hoardings,” Rajeev Tyagi, general manager, Noida authority, said.

First Published: Mar 12, 2019 02:46 IST