Surat's Outer Ring Road project, a critical infrastructure development for the city, is on track to be completed six months ahead of schedule. The first phase is now expected to be finished by January 2024, according to Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal. Spanning a total length of 17.31 km, the project has a budget of Rs 486 crore.
Agarwal explained that the initial deadline for completion was June 2024, but accelerated progress has allowed for an earlier opening to the public. The first phase of the Outer Ring Road comprises five packages, with roadwork on all packages except 1-E slated for completion by June 2023. The 1-E package is anticipated to be finished by December 2023.
Key elements of the first phase include a railway overbridge, a flyover bridge, a vehicular underpass, a river bridge, and a three-bay structure, along with the remaining road works. Packages 1-A and 1-B are set to be completed within 15 days, while 1-C and 1-D are expected to wrap up in 30 days.
So far, Rs 350.05 crore has been spent on the Outer Ring Road, with Rs 100 crore spent in the last four months following the assembly elections' code of conduct completion. An additional Rs 10 crore will be spent by March 31, 2023, totaling Rs 110 crore for the last four months. Meanwhile, soil investigation for the second phase of the project is underway, covering a 10.45 km route and costing Rs 275 crore. The soil testing work is expected to conclude within the next month.
The project's completion will provide new connectivity to Garhpur Road and Surat Kamrej Road from Mota Varachha, Bharthana, and Kosad. This development will not only shorten travel distances by approximately 10 km but will also reduce fuel consumption and pollution.
