Delhi’s Barapullah Phase 3 project gets new deadline — December end

Since taking charge, we have prioritised this project and ensured progress on multiple fronts.”

The Phase 3 project was approved in 2014 and launched in April 2015 with a target to complete work in 2017. (Express photo/ Abhinav Saha)

The Barapullah Phase 3 project — a 3.5-km elevated corridor — envisages seamless connectivity between Mayur Vihar I in East Delhi and AIIMS in South Delhi.

The new flyover, which will merge with the existing Barapullah flyover at Sarai Kale Khan, is also expected to significantly enhance east-west connectivity. Once operational, the flyover is likely to ease traffic congestion at key choke points, such as Nizamuddin Bridge, Bhairon Marg, Ashram Chowk, and Ring Road.

The Phase 3 project was approved in 2014 and launched in April 2015 with a target to complete work in 2017. The initial cost of the flyover was Rs 964 crore, but the sanctioned cost significantly increased over the years.

Delhi government said the work on the remaining part of the flyover is delayed as approvals from the forest department are pending.

The project was delayed due to a range of issues — delays in land acquisition, the Covid-19 pandemic, seasonal floods, and pending forest department approval for the relocation of over 250 trees.

In a statement, the Delhi government said that although 89% of the project is complete, the work on the remaining part of the flyover is delayed as approvals from the forest department to relocate around 200 trees are pending.

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

PWD officials said that with renewed oversight, while many technical issues have been resolved, inter-departmental coordination has also improved. (Express photo/ Abhinav Saha)

Singh, however, blamed the delay on the alleged negligence of the previous AAP government, lack of inter-departmental coordination, and administrative inefficiency.

“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,” he said.

PWD officials said that with renewed oversight, while many technical issues have been resolved, inter-departmental coordination has also improved. “Regular inspections are now being conducted to ensure work is on track,” said an official.

“For us, this is not just a project, but a significant step in the development of Delhi. Our priority is to ensure no project suffers due to red tape or neglect, and all pending infrastructure projects are completed on time,” said Singh.