New Delhi: Commuters travelling through some of northeast Delhi’s busiest roads could soon experience significantly smoother journeys as the city’s first integrated double-decker Metro-flyover project moves closer to completion.
The Delhi government announced on Wednesday that 88% of the construction work has been completed on the ambitious Karawal Nagar double-decker corridor, with the revised project cost approved at Rs 291 crore. The project is now scheduled to be completed by December 2026.
Developed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the project combines an elevated Metro corridor and a road flyover within a single structure, aiming to improve connectivity while reducing traffic congestion across one of Delhi’s most crowded stretches.
Delhi’s First Integrated Double-Decker Transport Corridor
The project is being constructed along the heavily congested Yamuna Vihar–Bhajanpura corridor in northeast Delhi, where commuters frequently face long traffic delays.
The 1.40-kilometre double-decker structure will connect Yamuna Vihar and Bhajanpura Metro stations, passing through key areas including Karawal Nagar, Ghonda, and Brijpuri Junction on Mangal Pandey Marg.
Designed as Delhi’s first integrated transport structure of its kind, the project will feature an elevated Metro line above a road flyover, making more efficient use of limited urban space.
Major Relief Expected for Daily Commuters
According to government estimates, 65% to 70% of existing traffic on the corridor is expected to shift to the new elevated flyover after it becomes operational.
This is expected to significantly reduce congestion on the surface roads, which will primarily serve local traffic.
The project will also create a signal-free route from Gokulpuri to Signature Bridge via Khajuri Khas, potentially reducing travel time for thousands of commuters travelling through northeast Delhi every day.
Construction Progress Reaches 88%
Officials said the project has reached an advanced stage of construction.
As of July 22:
- 74 of the planned 80 deck slabs have been installed.
- Construction of 4,100 metres of the planned 5,600 metres of crash barriers has been completed.
- 14 out of 18 expansion joints have already been installed.
The remaining work includes:
- Construction of approach ramps.
- Laying the final road surface.
- Installation of 100 electric poles.
- Painting crash barriers.
- Applying anti-carbonation protective coating to the concrete structure.
Project Cost Revised to Rs 291 Crore
The project was originally approved at Rs 220.10 crore, but the revised cost has now increased to Rs 291 crore.
The updated budget received approval during a meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee, chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Once completed, the flyover will feature three traffic lanes in each direction, with the overall structure measuring 23 metres in width.
The project will also include 140-metre-long ramps at both ends to ensure smooth traffic movement.
Construction Delayed, Work Now Accelerated
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said construction had slowed in 2023 because approvals for certain components were pending.
With the necessary clearances now in place, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has accelerated work to meet the revised completion timeline.
“We are committed to providing people with better, safer and modern road infrastructure,” Ms Gupta said.
She added:
“Delhi’s first integrated double-decker flyover-Metro project will further strengthen the transport network in northeast Delhi.”
The project is being executed by DMRC under an agreement signed with the Public Works Department (PWD) on February 24, 2021.
Once operational, the integrated corridor is expected to become a major milestone in Delhi’s urban infrastructure, offering faster connectivity, easing chronic congestion and enhancing public transport integration across northeast Delhi.