Delhi's Pragati Maidan Underpass-5 Project Revived with Railway Clearance, Aims for December 2026 Completion
In a significant development for Delhi's infrastructure, the long-stalled Underpass-5 project at Pragati Maidan has been revived after securing a critical no-objection certificate from Indian Railways. This clearance removes the final obstacle that had delayed the project for years, with authorities now setting a firm deadline for completion by December 2026.
Project Details and Strategic Importance
The Bhairon Marg underpass is designed to provide signal-free connectivity between Sarai Kale Khan and Mathura Road, a key route in the city. Once operational, it will allow commuters to bypass the heavily congested Ring Road–Bhairon Marg junction, significantly easing traffic flow in the area.
This project holds strategic importance for improving mobility across east, central, and southeast Delhi, including critical stretches near ITO, Rajghat, and Laxmi Nagar. It forms an integral component of the broader Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor project, which aims to enhance overall transportation efficiency around this major exhibition and convention hub.
Overcoming Years of Delays and Challenges
The project had remained stalled for an extended period due to multiple challenges, including engineering complexities and coordination issues among various government agencies. A significant breakthrough occurred in August 2025 when the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs approved a revised Public Works Department plan that addressed critical concerns related to soil settlement and design near railway embankments.
Despite these approvals, construction could not proceed earlier due to the absence of mandatory Railway clearance, given the project's proximity to active railway tracks. The recent NOC represents the culmination of efforts to resolve these persistent bottlenecks.
Government Assurance and Future Execution
Government officials have emphasized their commitment to resolving implementation hurdles through direct intervention. "This project had been stuck for years due to pending clearances and lack of coordination," stated a government representative. "We worked systematically to resolve issues rather than passing responsibility. With this Railway NOC, the final hurdle has been cleared. Our focus now shifts to execution, speed, and accountability, with the project targeted for completion by December 2026."
The revival of Underpass-5 marks a positive step in Delhi's ongoing efforts to address urban traffic challenges through strategic infrastructure development.
