PWD won’t close Outer Ring Road for new RTR flyover

EARLIER, IT WAS GOING TO SHUT DOWN A 500METRE STRETCH FOR ENTIRE NIGHT

NEWDELHI: In a relief for commuters going towards Vasant Vihar in south Delhi via outer Ring Road, the public works department has decided to restrict traffic only “as and when required” during the construction of an elevated road parallel to the existing Rao Tula Ram (RTR) flyover.

Earlier, the PWD has planned to shut a 500-metre stretch on outer Ring Road between Nelson Mandela Marg and Poorvi Marg for 40 days from 10 pm to 6 am to install spans and girders for the construction of the elevated road.

The work began on Friday near Poorvi Marg.

The construction of the muchdelayed 2.7 km parallel bridge to decongest the existing 900-me- tre-long Rao Tula Ram Marg flyover began in November 2014 and is slated to be completed in August 2018.

Rajan Mogha, executive engineer, flyover project division F-41, said that out of 76 spans, the first was launched on the stretch on Friday night and second span would be launched on Monday night.

Mogha said girders are also being laid on the stretch simultaneously. This work would continue for around 30 days.

“We do not block traffic on the stretch every night. Restrictions are put in place only when we launch a span or lay girders. We are ensuring that the commuters do not face any problem because of the ongoing construction work,” Mogha said.

Dependra Pathak, traffic police chief, said adequate traffic arrangements have been put in place to avoid traffic congestion on the stretch.

As per the diversion plan, commuters going to Vasant Vihar can take Nelson Mandela Marg or use the other side of the road to reach their destination between 10 pm and 6 am.

Pathak said that airportbound traffic will not be affected as motorists can take the Palam flyover.

“Traffic restrictions are given if it is necessary for any project but ensuring minimum inconvenience to the commuters is our priority,” Pathak said.