DND Flyway's Deterioration: A Daily Ordeal for Noida and Mayur Vihar Commuters
For months, the DND Flyway—once celebrated as a fast, seamless route into the national capital—has transformed into a source of frustration and discomfort for thousands of daily commuters traveling from Mayur Vihar and Noida. What was designed to be a smooth arterial road has now become a bumpy, hazardous passage, significantly slowing down traffic and testing the patience of drivers and two-wheeler riders alike.
The Problematic Stretches: From Toll Plaza to Sarai Kale Khan
The deterioration begins immediately after crossing the now-defunct toll plaza, where the road surface turns uneven and, in some sections, is completely broken. Conditions worsen dramatically near the exit loop leading towards Sarai Kale Khan, where a damaged stretch extends approximately 500 meters. This particular section is critically important as it channels a heavy volume of traffic towards Ring Road and South Delhi, making any disruption here particularly impactful.
An on-ground inspection revealed numerous potholes dotting the flyway, forcing vehicles to navigate cautiously. The uneven surface has led to significant traffic slowdowns, with two-wheelers wobbling precariously and cars risking damage to their undercarriages. Commuters report that this situation has persisted for at least three months, with no visible signs of improvement.
Commuters Voice Their Struggles and Concerns
Regular users of the DND Flyway express growing frustration over the prolonged neglect. Brijesh, who relies on this route for fieldwork, stated, "There's no improvement. You almost get used to it because nothing changes." Shareef Khan, a daily commuter from Noida, highlighted how the poor road conditions exacerbate existing congestion. "This stretch is already congested due to traffic headed for Ring Road and Sarai Kale Khan. Even at 1:30 PM, when traffic is lighter, the bumpy surface makes the situation worse," he explained.
Raj Kumar, who travels on a two-wheeler, described his daily ordeal: "There is constant discomfort as the bike shakes badly. Both carriageways are bumpy on this stretch." The damage appears systematic rather than accidental. Near the old toll point, potholes and crumbling edges suggest that previous repairs were either poorly executed or left incomplete. Similarly, near the Sarai Kale Khan loop, repair signboards are in place, and Google Maps alerts users about construction ahead, yet little actual work is visible on the ground.
High Traffic Volume and Cascading Impact
The DND Flyway handles a massive influx of office-goers, inter-city commuters, buses, and commercial vehicles daily. Given its role as a key connector, even minor disruptions here have a cascading effect on broader traffic patterns across Delhi-NCR. The Noida Toll Bridge Company Limited (NTBCL) is responsible for the flyway's maintenance. An official from the company provided insights into the delayed repair efforts.
Official Response and Reasons for Delay
According to the NTBCL official, upgradation work was awarded and preliminary activities commenced as early as the third week of October 2025, following thorough preparatory work including material accounting, manpower allocation, and detailed execution plans. The project was initially expected to be completed by the end of December 2025 or January 2026, with approximately Rs 7 crore already spent over the past six months.
However, the repair work has been stalled due to statutory restrictions under GRAP-IV (Graded Response Action Plan) anti-pollution measures. "In the past three months, there was hardly a day when work could be done," the official noted. He assured that once pollution conditions ease and it becomes conducive to commence work, the repairs are expected to be completed within approximately five weeks.
This delay underscores the complex interplay between infrastructure maintenance and environmental regulations in the Delhi-NCR region. For now, commuters continue to endure the daily grind on a flyway that has lost its sheen, hoping for swift action once statutory clearances are granted.
