Spaces underneath Delhi flyovers to be converted into charging stations, libraries, parks

“It is reiterated that unused spaces below flyovers are being mis-utilised and turned into garbage dumps, creating an unhygienic environment. To address this, an effort is being made to convert these urban void spaces into public utilities like charging stations, play areas, office spaces, libraries, etc. You are kindly requested to identify the required public facility which suits the area and locality nearby in consultation with the RWAs and communicate the same to this office,” said the special secretary in a letter to all the district magistrates.

As per PWD’s directions, the district authorities will have to identify the number of flyovers, names and location of the road along with other details such as the size of the space, whether the space is already being used, should the space be closed, and if not what can be done to uplift it.

The district magistrates have also been asked to form a committee to decide on the matter. The team will have a district magistrate as the nodal officer; and DCP (Traffic) of the Delhi Police; a special commissioner, Road Safety, Transport Department; PWD executive engineers and consultants from the PWD and Transport Department as its members.

Currently, the PWD has removed the homeless people from underneath the Lajpat Nagar flyover as part of an earlie streetscaping project where the space is being developed into a sports complex with badminton, and table tennis courts and a multi-use centre for recreational activities, indoor games and activities such as yoga, meditation, carom and others.