The minister of urban development has sanctioned R 658 crore for five projects to decongest Delhi. A high- powered committee was formed to suggest measures to decongest Delhi, after Hindustan Times carried a series ‘Unclog Delhi’ in 2014. In January again, HT highlighted the problem through a special series. The following projects are expected to ease the traffic congestion that has thrown Delhi’s office commute out of whack.

1. Construction of flyover and underpasses connecting Northern Mahipalpur, Aerocity, Airport and NH-8.

This project will provide direct airport access to for passengers coming from South Delhi, Faridabad and Gurgaon side, and vice-versa. It will ease the frequent congestion and jams on NH-8 and provide hassle-free access to Airport via Aerocity by crossing the NH-8. The The junction of Mahipalpur Bypass Road and Mehrauli Road has been taken as part of the project considering smooth flow of all turning movements.

Time frame: Within three years

Cost: Rs 188 crores, out of which assistance of Rs 150.40 crores has been approved to be given by UDF.

2. Construction of flyover-cum- Road over bridge near Narela for providing direct access from NH-1 to Bawana Industrial Complex.

Urban Extension Road-1 (UER-1) was constructed from NH-1 to Bawana Road except for the stretch over FCI Godown and Delhi-Karna Railway line. This railway line is very busy due to which the level crossing on the road is frequently closed leading to traffic chaos. The situation becomes worse due to the presence of Anaj Mandi and the gate of the FCI Godown near the level crossing. Therefore, a flyover-cum-RoB will ease chaos and also provide direct access to Bawana Road Industrial Complex from NH-1.

Time frame: Within three years

Cost: Rs 437.21 crores, out of which assistance of Rs 349.77 crores has been approved to be given by UDF.

3. Construction of skywalk and Foot over Bridge at the junction of Sikandra Road, Mathura Road, Tilak Marg, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg near ITO for safety of pedestrians.

There are many institutional and government offices on Sikandra Road, Mathura Road, Tilak Marg and Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, near ITO. Therefore, there is heavy concentration of pedestrians who have to cross the roads. Construction of skywalks and FoBs in these areas will provide safe passage to pedestrians and connect offices nearby.

Time frame: Within three years

Cost: Rs 54.34 crores, out of which assistance of Rs 43.47 crores has been approved to be given by UDF.

4. Construction of up-ramp and widening of road near Kashmiri Gate and Nigam Bodh Ghat.

One up-ramp at ISBT to cater to the right turning traffic ,mainly of interstate buses, will be constructed for entry into the bus terminal without disturbing the rest of the traffic. Huge traffic jams occur frequently on Ring Road between ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Hanuman Mandir near Salimgarh Bypass. These improvements will reduce congestion near Kashmiri Gate and Nigam Bodh Ghat.

Time frame: Within three years

Cost: Rs 18.68 crore out of which assistance of Rs 14.94 crore has been approved to be given by UDF.

5. Construction of 1.6-km long Grade Separator on Rani Jhansi Road.

About: The length of flyover is 1619m, consisting of a four lane flyover from Filmistan to Boulevard Road along Rani Jhansi Road, two entry and exit ramps, and two rotaries at DCM Chowk intersection and Baraf Khana Chowk to ease traffic at surface level.

Time frame: Within three years

Cost: Rs 200 crore out of which North MCD has already incurred an expenditure of Rs 115 crore. The remaining Rs 85 crore has been approved to be given by UDF.