Delhi Gets Centre’s Nod To Resume Work On Pragati Maidan Underpass, Set To Ease Ring Road Traffic

Work on Underpass No. 5 of the Pragati Maidan transit corridor is set to resume after the Centre approved the Delhi government's revised construction proposal, The Indian Express reported.

The underpass is expected to ease traffic congestion along the Ring Road stretch near Bhairon Marg, Sarai Kale Khan, and ITO by the end of this year.

Construction had stalled in 2023 after the precast concrete boxes, installed using the box-pushing technique under an active railway line, sank due to flooding from the nearby Yamuna River.

In response, the Public Works Department (PWD) prepared a new plan and sought approval from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

“This is not just a clearance. It is a green signal to speed, transparency, and accountability. Every rupee spent on infrastructure must yield public value, and I am glad that this solution safeguards both engineering integrity and financial responsibility. I thank MoHUA for their support. Now, execution is our top priority, and delay is not an option,” Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh was quoted as saying.

Officials said the PWD will begin with immediate grouting beneath the box structures to stabilise the soil and prevent further settlement.

An official noted that the cast-in-situ construction method has been adopted for the resumed work.

This technique, along with revised width and height specifications, was identified as the most technically viable solution given the current site conditions.

Underpass No. 5 is designed to streamline traffic during peak hours and major public events at the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) complex.

With the clearance in place, the PWD has been instructed to begin work immediately and submit weekly progress reports to the minister’s office.

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