Chandigarh, Oct 26: To ensure smooth traffic flow even during the opening of Sukhna Lake’s floodgates, the Chandigarh Administration has proposed building a four-lane bridge across the Sukhna Choe near Bapu Dham Colony in Sector 26.
The UT Engineering Department has submitted the bridge design to the Urban Planning Department for approval. Once cleared, the proposal and cost estimates will be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for final sanction, officials said. The project, estimated to cost Rs 2.5 crore, is expected to receive design approval by next month.
The new elevated bridge will replace the existing low-level causeway that links Sector 26 with Sector 13 (Manimajra), IT Park, and Mansa Devi Complex in Panchkula. Officials said the higher bridge would prevent closures during monsoon when excess water is released from Sukhna Lake.
“The new bridge will help avoid disruption to traffic and ensure uninterrupted movement between Chandigarh and adjoining areas even when the lake’s floodgates are opened,” an official said.
The project is also intended to ease congestion during rush hours, as the route is heavily used by commuters travelling to the Haryana Secretariat, Punjab and Haryana High Court and other offices.
In July 2023, heavy discharge from Sukhna Lake severely damaged the existing bridge, which had to be closed for five days, affecting traffic from Manimajra and Panchkula. This monsoon too, the causeway was shut after water release from the lake, resulting in long traffic snarls on Madhya Marg.
The proposed four-lane bridge will include a pedestrian path and a dedicated cycling track, consistent with the administration’s efforts to promote non-motorised transport. Officials said the project is vital for maintaining year-round connectivity between Chandigarh, IT Park, Sector 13, Kishangarh, and Mansa Devi Complex.
