Delhi Government Launches Ambitious Elevated Ring Road Project with First Corridor Clearance
The Delhi government has officially commenced work on its landmark Elevated Ring Road project, a transformative infrastructure initiative designed to address the city's persistent traffic congestion problems. The administration has given the green light to the first priority corridor, marking a significant step forward in this ambitious undertaking.
Phase 1A Identified as Initial Priority Stretch
Government officials have divided the massive project into six distinct phases for systematic implementation. The initial focus will be on Phase 1A, a nearly 5-kilometer elevated section connecting Majnu Ka Tila to Salimgarh Fort. This corridor was specifically selected based on comprehensive assessments of traffic density and overall feasibility.
A senior government representative explained the decision-making process: "The priority phase was identified keeping in view traffic density and feasibility. A preliminary project report was already prepared. The detailed project report is expected to be ready within the next two months, following which the tender process will begin."
Comprehensive Project Scope and Additional Corridors
The complete Elevated Ring Road project will span an impressive 57.5 kilometers across Delhi's landscape. While Phase 1A receives immediate attention, five additional corridors have been proposed for future development:
- Azadpur Chowk to Metcalfe House Junction (7 kilometers)
- Salimgarh Fort to DND Flyover (11.5 kilometers)
- DND Flyover to Moti Bagh Metro Station (10.5 kilometers)
- Moti Bagh Metro Station to Rajouri Garden (10 kilometers)
- Rajouri Garden to Azadpur Chowk (13.5 kilometers)
Officials emphasized that the 5-kilometer Phase 1A corridor has been prioritized because it partially runs along a national highway and primarily focuses on enhancing mobility rather than broader livability parameters.
Addressing Critical Congestion Points and Infrastructure Challenges
The development of this elevated corridor presents a valuable opportunity to significantly upgrade Delhi's road infrastructure. Several notorious congestion bottlenecks exist along this stretch, particularly around the Kashmere Gate area, where through-traffic could be efficiently diverted to elevated levels.
The corridor's alignment presents unique challenges as it runs parallel to the Yamuna River, falling within the O-Zone classification. Consequently, all planning must strictly adhere to Master Development Plan regulations. The stretch also intersects with a grade separator and the Red Line Metro corridor near Kashmere Gate junction, necessitating careful integration with existing transport infrastructure.
Additionally, three Archaeological Survey of India-protected monuments, including Salimgarh Fort, are located along the route. Government officials have assured that ASI guidelines will be meticulously followed throughout both planning and execution phases.
Reviving the Original Vision of Mahatma Gandhi Ring Road
This ambitious project aims to resurrect the original purpose of the Mahatma Gandhi Ring Road, which was initially designed to facilitate smooth traffic circulation around Delhi. Over recent decades, rapid urbanization, exponential growth in vehicle numbers, and limited public transportation alternatives have transformed this corridor into one of the city's most congested stretches, contributing substantially to both air and noise pollution.
Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma previously characterized the Elevated Ring Road as one of the most significant initiatives undertaken by the BJP-led Delhi government, expressing confidence that it would be completed during the current administration's tenure.
Alleviating Pressure on Critical Transport Arteries
Transportation officials have noted that both Ring Road and Outer Ring Road bear the heaviest traffic loads during peak hours. A senior official elaborated on the project's benefits: "Adding capacity through an elevated corridor will ease pressure on the existing road while decongesting connecting arterial routes." The elevated roadway will be constructed on pillars along the central median, substantially minimizing land acquisition requirements.
Once celebrated as a high-speed arterial route, the Ring Road now traverses densely populated residential, commercial, and institutional areas including South Extension, Punjabi Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, and Ashram. This transformation underscores the urgent need for innovative infrastructure solutions to restore efficient mobility across India's capital city.
