Inauguration delayed twice, AAP MLA opens Kotkapura flyover

SANDHWAN HAD GIVEN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AN ULTIMATUM OF OPENING THE ROB AS IT HAD BEEN COMPLETED LAST MONTH

FARIDKOT: A day ahead of the formal government inauguration of Rs 117crore railway over bridge (ROB) on the Kotkapura-Faridkot road, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Kotkapura MLA Kultar Singh Sandhwan, along with supporters, opened the flyover for general traffic on Monday morning.

Sandhwan had given the district administration an ultimatum of opening the ROB as it had been completed last month, but was not being opened for public use due to the government delaying formal inauguration.

The inauguration of the flyover was postponed twice in December, with locals continuing to face major inconvenience i n commuting t hat started i n 2016, when the project was started.

The AAP MLA, along with supporters, removed the concrete obstacles on one side of the flyover and allowed vehicles to enter it about 10am. Kotkapura residents had been facing acute traffic congestion on alternative routes due to flyover construction. Residents had been demanding its opening at the earliest.

Sandhwan said, “People have been travelling around 5km extra due to the diversion. Traffic coming from Muktsar road has to take the muddy road of the Focal Point. Despite the completion of work, the bridge had not been opened. In public interest, we have opened the flyover for traffic.”

Congress district president Ajay Pal Singh said the Kotkapura ROB would be dedicated to the people on Tuesday and it would ease traffic congestion in the town.

“Despite knowing about the inauguration, AAP leaders have opened the flyover to hog limelight,” he added.