Solan, September 17: The long-awaited 600-metre-long flyover on the Solan-Shimla National Highway-5 at Chambaghat has been officially opened to the public, allowing small vehicles to use the new route initially. This major development is part of the wider project aimed at widening the Chambaghat-Kaithlighat section of NH-5. Following an inspection conducted by railway officials on September 9, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) gave the green signal for the flyover to become operational, much to the relief of commuters.
Flyover to ease traffic congestion
For years, the Solan-Shimla route has witnessed heavy traffic congestion, especially during tourist and apple seasons, making areas like Chambaghat a bottleneck. The new flyover, which stretches over a railway line, is set to revolutionise traffic management by significantly easing congestion. Vehicles can now bypass busy intersections and avoid frequent delays caused by railway crossings.
The Solan-Shimla road, especially Chambaghat, often faced massive traffic jams, frustrating daily commuters and tourists. With the construction of this flyover, the travel time on the highway is expected to reduce significantly, facilitating smooth and seamless travel especially during rush hours.
Technical features of the flyover
The flyover, constructed by M/s Aref Engineers Pvt Ltd (AEPL), is the longest bridge on the Parwanoo-Kaithlighat section of NH-5, measuring 600 metres in length and having 19 spans. According to Anand Dahiya, Project Director, NHAI Shimla, the 18 spans are of 30.5 metres each, with one span having a height of 51.48 metres. The approach length from Solan side is 175 metres and from Shimla side is 350 metres.
Constructed using steel composite girders, this structure offers superior load capacity, durability, and robustness. Special prestressing technology was used during construction to accommodate the load of heavy vehicles. The newly opened flyover provides a significant separation between vehicles and the railway crossing, ensuring a safer and more efficient traffic flow.
The benefits of this flyover extend far beyond relieving traffic congestion. The structure promises to improve safety by eliminating traffic delays at railway crossings and reducing the risk of accidents. By providing a direct route over bottlenecks, the flyover is also expected to reduce fuel consumption and increase overall efficiency for commuters.
The construction of service roads on either side of the railway over-bridge has been completed, making access to key areas such as Chambaghat, the Directorate of Mushroom Research in Solan city, and the industrial area in Chambaghat much easier. Local residents and businesses, including those in Basal village, are also set to benefit from improved connectivity.
Although the flyover was completed in July, its inauguration was delayed by three months due to pending inspection by railway officials. The NHAI worked relentlessly on the issue and after getting the approval in September, the flyover was finally opened to the public.
The new flyover is a significant improvement for Solan-Shimla road travellers. It not only helps ease the infamous traffic congestion at Chambaghat but also ensures that road users, including tourists and apple growers, can enjoy safer and faster travel. Since the Chambaghat-Kaithlighat section is being widened, this development is being seen as a major step towards a smoother and more efficient road network in the region.
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