Now Chirag Dilli flyover to shut from February 1

NEW DELHI: Beginning February 1, both carriageways of the Chirag Dilli flyover are likely to be closed to traffic, a move that may spell trouble for thousands of commuters.
With the Ashram flyover also cut off because of ongoing work and traffic load increasing at key intersections due to it, the closure would impact vehicular movement across the city, especially in south Delhi areas such as Nehru Place, Greater Kailash, CR Park and Hauz Khas.

Sources said the flyover was supposed to shut from January 26 but the move was deferred owing to Republic Day celebrations and a VIP visit in south Delhi. “We will close one carriageway first and see the impact before we decide with PWD whether to close both or one at a time,” a source said.
Traffic officials said currently, commuters travelling from Nehru Place towards Panchsheel take the flyover and the road below allows them to take a right turn towards Moolchand. Once the flyover is shut, they will be allowed to move straight towards Panchsheel or left towards Khanpur. Similarly, commuters coming from Panchsheel will be able to go straight towards Nehru Place or GK, or take left for Moolchand and right for Khanpur.
However, because of the sheer volume of vehicles and many key south Delhi localities close by, people must brace for snarls and can expect some delays in their daily commute, said a traffic official.
“We manage traffic manually during peak hours as commuters sometimes don’t follow rules. Two major hospitals are located around the area, so we have to ensure quick passage of ambulances,” the official said.
PWD officials said as of now, they don’t have clarity on whether one or both carriageways will be shut.
“Due to excessive usage, a flyover’s extension joints become weak with time. PWD will take up their repair. The contractor has been finalised. We are waiting for the site to be handed over,” said an official. PWD claimed that getting an NOC from traffic police has been an issue.
Prof Sewa Ram, professor of transport planning, School of Planning and Architecture, said the stretches around the Chirag Dilli flyover and Outer Ring Road are major arterial roads.
“A major intersection under the flyover also witnesses heavy traffic movement. The width of the slip roads is less and it will lead to congestion. Traffic police should look at an integrated approach. Not just intersections under the flyover, at least 1km in all directions should be seen for impact,” said Ram.