Two Major Road Infrastructure Projects in Delhi Near Completion
The long-awaited completion of two major road infrastructure projects in Delhi, namely the Anand Vihar flyover and the Punjabi Bagh flyover, has finally arrived. However, despite the work being finished, these flyovers are yet to be opened for public use, much to the frustration of motorists and residents in the area.
Delays and High Expectations
Work on these crucial flyovers, located in highly congested areas, began approximately two years ago. Roads in the vicinity faced heavy traffic congestion on a daily basis, posing difficulties for commuters. To provide some relief, residents have been eagerly awaiting the official opening of these flyovers.
A Public Works Department (PWD) official disclosed, “The work on the flyover is complete and it is ready for opening.” However, sources indicate that the inauguration of both flyovers is likely to take place nearer to the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for early next year. With mounting anticipation, area residents have organized protests, demanding immediate access to these much-needed transportation improvements.
Traffic Relief and Connectivity
The Punjabi Bagh flyover, upon opening, is expected to streamline traffic in this congested area and facilitate improved connectivity between north Delhi, south Delhi, Gurgaon, and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR). This transportation corridor carries a significant traffic load, particularly for those traveling from Haryana via Rohtak Road NH-10. The completion of the flyover will undoubtedly alleviate traffic woes faced by countless commuters and ensure smoother movement of vehicles.
Similarly, the Anand Vihar flyover project aims to create relief for residents in Ramprastha Colony, Vivek Vihar, and Shresth Vihar, once it opens to the public. Currently under construction, the construction of ramps and a footpath has been delayed due to permission issues regarding the felling of trees. It is unlikely that these components will be finished by the intended completion date. The deadline for the Anand Vihar flyover project, including an elevated corridor and pedestrian subway, had already been extended to April 2024 from its initial target completion month of December 2023.
The Road Ahead
After facing several delays, PWD initiated a trial run on the Anand Vihar flyover in August of this year. With the flyovers close to becoming fully operational, it is expected that Road No. 56 will become entirely signal-free, providing a smoother commute for motorists. Furthermore, the Punjabi Bagh flyover promises to strengthen connectivity and enhance overall transportation efficiency in the city.
Despite persistent challenges and setbacks, these road infrastructure projects bring hope for a future where Delhi’s traffic nightmare may become a thing of the past for many residents and commuters. With the completion of these flyovers just on the horizon, aided transportation accessibility appears imminent. Now, it becomes imperative for authorities to make the necessary decisions and open these flyovers promptly, to unlock the full benefits of these crucial transportation improvements.
