The traffic problem in Delhi is no secret, especially for those living in South Delhi, who spend hours stuck in jams every day. Now, the Delhi government is preparing to take a major step to address this issue. Four new elevated roads are planned for South Delhi, and work on these could begin soon.
Which Roads Will Be Elevated?
The four main roads that the Delhi government plans to elevate include –
- Elevated corridor from Chhatarpur Main Road to SSN Marg
- Flyover section from 100 Foot Road to IGNOU Gate
- New flyover on IGNOU Road
- Elevated link from Anuvrat Marg to IGI Airport via INA Market
The purpose of these proposals is to reduce the traffic load on the main roads where thousands of vehicles travel daily and people get stuck in jams for hours.
Which Areas Will Benefit the Most?
The areas in South Delhi with the most traffic problems include Freedom Fighters Enclave, Sainik Farm, Neb Sarai, Paryavaran Complex, and Saidulajab. Residents of these colonies often travel towards busy metro stations like Saket Metro or Malviya Nagar and pass through IGNOU Road on the way.
IGNOU Road experiences heavy traffic throughout the day and connects several residential colonies. However, the roads here are so narrow that encroachment and shops make it difficult to drive. That is why the PWD is considering elevating this road so that traffic can pass directly over the flyover, and local traffic can continue on the road below.
Why is a Flyover Necessary in the 100 Foot Road and IGNOU Gate Section?
The 100 Foot Road and IGNOU Gate area has become a major junction in South Delhi. Thousands of vehicles pass through here every day, and roads to several colonies branch off from here. As a result, this area has become a traffic hotspot.
With the construction of a flyover, local and through traffic will be able to use separate routes. This will not only streamline traffic but also reduce travel time.
What is the Plan for the Elevated Link from Anuvrat Marg to IGI Airport?
The longest and most ambitious project in this major proposal by the Delhi government is the elevated link connecting Anuvrat Marg to IGI Airport via INA Market.
This link could prove to be very useful for the millions of people in Delhi who travel from South Delhi to the airport. Currently, people have to pass through busy routes like AIIMS, Ring Road, or Dhaula Kuan. If this elevated road is built, reaching the airport will become much easier and faster.
However, this project is still in its initial stages. Site visits are underway, and a report is being prepared, keeping in mind the metro line and surrounding areas.
PWD is Preparing a Report
The Delhi government has instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to prepare a detailed report on these four roads. The report will assess where it is technically feasible to build flyovers, how much each area will cost, and what challenges may arise during construction.
The PWD has previously experimented with concrete dividers and road widening to control traffic on IGNOU Road, but this has not provided significant relief. Officials now believe that an elevated road may be a better and more permanent solution.
The Biggest Problem: Street Vendors and Shops Causing Jams
IGNOU Road and its surrounding areas are crowded with street vendors and shops along the roadside. This is why there is hardly any space left to drive on the road. In many places, there is not even space for pedestrians.
As soon as morning and evening arrive, lines of vehicles form here. Buses, autos, private cars, and e-rickshaws all run on the same road, which often causes jams.
Making it Easier to Cover the Distance Between Chhatarpur and IGNOU
People traveling between Chhatarpur and IGNOU Road have not had a direct and fast route until now. They often have to go through Qutub Minar, Saket Metro, and other busy routes.
If a 2-kilometer-long elevated corridor is built here, this distance can be covered in just a few minutes, benefiting thousands of passengers.
