Delhi's Barapullah Phase 3 Flyover Project Nears Completion, Likely To Be Operationalised By Year End

The long-delayed Barapullah Phase 3 project, a 3.5 km elevated corridor connecting Mayur Vihar I in East Delhi to AIIMS in South Delhi is edging towards completion with 89 per cent of the construction done, Indian Express reported.

The Delhi government plans to complete the flyover project by December, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said.

The corridor, which will merge with the existing Barapullah flyover at Sarai Kale Khan, is expected to ease traffic congestion at several choke points, including Nizamuddin Bridge, Bhairon Marg, Ashram Chowk, and Ring Road.

Originally approved in 2014 and launched in April 2015, the project had an initial deadline of 2017 and a cost of Rs 964 crore.

However, due to delays in land acquisition, the COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal flooding, and pending environmental clearances, the cost and timeline have significantly increased.

“The earlier government neither released payments to contractors on time nor did they initiate the process of tree relocation. As a result, this critical project was delayed for years, with costs escalating. We are actively working to complete the remaining work soon… The current government is actively coordinating with the forest department to obtain the necessary clearances for tree relocation,” minister Singh was quoted as saying by IE.

A major hurdle remaining is the pending approval from the forest department to relocate approximately 200 trees, which is preventing work on the final section of the flyover from proceeding.

“We are hopeful that the required approvals from the forest department will be received soon, allowing the final phase of construction to commence,” Singh added.

Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) noted that many technical issues have now been resolved and inter-departmental coordination has improved.

“Regular inspections are now being conducted to ensure work is on track,” a PWD official was quoted as saying by IE.

Also Read: Justice B R Gavai Sworn In As New Chief Justice Of India, Becomes First Buddhist To Hold The Post