In a significant move to enhance road safety, authorities in Delhi have announced a major upgrade for a hazardous stretch of the Outer Ring Road. The Public Works Department (PWD) will install a modern crash barrier between Madhuban Chowk and Mukarba Chowk, a section notorious for accidents.
Project Details and Funding
The Delhi government's Public Works Department has sanctioned a substantial budget of Rs 2.6 crore for this critical safety initiative. The project targets a specific segment that handles heavy traffic flow from several key areas, including Rohini, Pitampura, Wazirpur Industrial Area, and Jahangirpuri.
Currently, the road divider on this stretch consists of low stone blocks. While these mark the separation between opposing traffic lanes, a PWD official highlighted their major flaw: "They offer little resistance during a crash, allowing vehicles to easily mount or cross the median." This design deficiency has been a contributing factor to serious accidents in the past.
New Safety Features to be Installed
The new safety measure involves completely replacing the existing stone blocks with a sturdier precast reinforced cement concrete (RCC) crash barrier. This type of barrier is engineered to absorb the impact of a collision, effectively containing vehicles within their designated lanes and drastically reducing the chance of deadly head-on crashes.
To further boost safety, especially under poor visibility conditions, the barrier will be equipped with an additional feature. "To improve visibility, especially at night and during fog, the barrier will be fitted with flexible reflective markers," the official added. These markers will make the barrier highly visible, giving drivers clearer guidance.
Expected Impact on Road Safety
The installation of a proper crash barrier is expected to be a game-changer for this accident-prone corridor. By preventing vehicles from veering into oncoming traffic, the project aims to:
- Significantly lower the risk of fatal head-on collisions.
- Contain accidents within a single lane, minimizing their severity.
- Improve overall driver confidence and safety on this vital road link.
The work is slated to begin soon, marking a proactive step by the city's infrastructure agencies to address persistent road safety concerns with a durable, engineering-led solution.
