The much-anticipated completion of the Gwarko flyover, already marred by multiple deadline extensions, is set to be delayed further after a joint gap widened on a concrete panel due to ground subsidence beneath it.
The panel at 40 meters on the Satdobato side has been removed after faults were identified in its design, requiring the contractor to restart the work from scratch.
Originally awarded to Ashish Samanantar Religare JV in February 2022, the project saw construction begin a year later in February 2023 . The flyover, located at one of the busiest intersections along the Ring Road, is being built under the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) model, placing full responsibility on the contractor for both design and execution.
According to the contract, the design phase was to be completed within the first four months, with the entire project expected to be finished in two years.
However, due to a delayed start, the project missed its original February 2024 deadline, leading to two extensions —first until July 2024 and then until December 2024. Since December 2023, the contractor has been penalized Rs 85,000 per day for failing to meet deadlines, according to Deep Barahi, Director at the Quality Research & Development Center under the Department of Roads.
“Ground subsidence has been an issue from the start,” Barahi said. “For now, we have only removed the affected panel.” Initially, authorities observed the expanding joint gap for a considerable period before deciding on removal.
To stabilize the structure, the contractor has begun piling work beneath the ground. According to Barahi, the company has assured the project’s completion by mid-May.
The four-lane, single-span flyover will feature a 320-meter ramp on the Balkumari side and a 185-meter ramp near B&B Hospital, with a total bridge length of 35 meters. The design ensures a minimum 6-meter vertical clearance for vehicles passing below.
Meanwhile, the prolonged construction work has worsened traffic congestion and air pollution in the Gwarko area, adding to commuter frustrations.
This news has been updated.
