Proposed Tribune Chowk–Zirakpur Border Flyover Put on Hold by High Court

The proposed flyover project from Tribune Chowk to the Zirakpur border in Chandigarh has been put on hold following directions issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu passed the order on Friday, stating that the proposed flyover on Dakshin Marg is not in accordance with the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031. The court observed that construction contrary to the provisions of the master plan cannot be permitted. During the hearing, the High Court suggested that an underpass could be considered as an alternative solution to address traffic congestion in the area. The bench noted that the administration may explore this option while planning future infrastructure development. The court also directed the Chandigarh Administration to ensure that the city's original character and green cover are preserved during any development work undertaken in the future. Notably, the Chandigarh Administration had recently been considering the flyover project from Tribune Chowk to the Zirakpur border as a measure to ease traffic jams in the city. Work on the project had already commenced before the court's intervention. The latest order has temporarily halted the project, with further decisions expected to be guided by the provisions of the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031 and the court’s observations.