In a bid to resolve the long-standing traffic woes for people travelling between Central and North Delhi, the Public Works Department (PWD) is planning to construct a flyover or underpass above the existing Yudhister Setu, about 100 metres from the exit point of Kashmere Gate ISBT to the Metcalfe House traffic signal on the Ring Road. “Currently, the Ring Road stretch — starting from Margat Wale Baba Hanuman temple, Kashmere Gate ISBT and near Metcalfe House — sees heavy traffic jams. The stretch has become a major choke point due to the frequent movement of interstate buses and this road also sees heavy pedestrian movement.To address this issue, the department is planning an elevated corridor or underpass for buses near the ISBT exit terminal,” said a senior PWD official. The official said that the department is planning an infrastructure boost at this choke point, so that the buses or the vehicles, which do not want to go to the ISBT, can take this alternate route and go straight without getting stuck in the traffic jam. Currently, the area near the Gate number 1 of the ISBT, witnesses snarls even during the non-peak hours due to frequent buses entering and exiting the terminal. The pedestrian movement too slows down the traffic, causing a bottleneck. It is also one of the accident-prone zones. “The plan is currently in the planning stage. We will soon issue a tender to hire a consultant, to conduct a feasibility study. The selected consultant will study the choke point and the entire stretch and will suggest whether a flyover or underpass is feasible at this location. Accordingly, a proposal and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared for further administrative and financial approval,” said the official. The official added, “Currently, we are planning to construct the new flyover, starting 100 metres away from the exit terminal of the ISBT and ending near the Metcalf House Red Light.” “An initial proposal is currently being prepared. After completing the modalities, the department will soon float tenders to appoint consultancy services to study the route, feasibility and prepare DPR,” the official added. Meanwhile, the department has already proposed a plan to construct a six-lane flyover at the Metcalfe junction, from Civil Lines Trauma Centre and DRDO office. The 680-metre-long elevated corridor will cost Rs 183 crore. This strategic intervention will facilitate smooth traffic for residents of Civil Lines and nearby areas while also streamlining inter-state movement towards northern states such as Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Once completed, the project will bring substantial relief to thousands of daily commuters, said officials.
