Close U-turn near new RTR flyover, traffic police tell PWD
Traffic cops say the U-turn situated close to the foot of the flyover causes traffic jams and accidents
NEW DELHI : The U-turn near the foot of the newly constructed 2.7-km-long Rao Tula Ram Marg (RTR) flyover has become a reason for long tailbacks and accidents on the stretch, negating the advantage of the new elevated road.
The Delhi Traffic Police has written to the Public Works Department (PWD), requesting them to remove the U-turn on the stretch, which is becoming a reason for traffic jams on the Outer Ring Road near Subroto Park.
In a copy of the action taken report uploaded on the public grievance monitoring system (PGMS) of the Delhi government, the Delhi Traffic Police has said that they had written to the PWD to remove the U-turn on the foot of the newly constructed RTR flyover.
“As per report of DCP/T (deputy commissioner of police/ traffic) New Delhi Range, stated that I have already sent a report to remove that U-turn and senior officers have also sent a letter to PWD officials,” the action taken report read.
The report added, “The engineer-in-chief was also informed vide a letter dated September 11, to remove that U-turn on the newly constructed RTR near Subroto Park.”
Senior traffic officials said even though the condition of traffic had improved after the construction of the new flyover on RTR Marg, the “abrupt” U-turn at the foot had created a new choke point.
Officials, who did not wish to be identified, said that every day at least six traffic policemen are deployed at the stretch to clear the jams near the U-turn.
The PWD official, however, said that they were yet to get any official communication from the traffic police.
“We are yet to receive any communication regarding removal of the U-turn. There is no traffic jam due to this U-turn as it is located a good distance from the flyover. It is only a single lane U-turn, which leaves four lanes on the road for the airport bound traffic. Additionally, we have put signage mentioning about the U-turn so that commuters can choose their lane accordingly before they
The new RTR flyover was opened for traffic on July 16
A U-turn was constructed around 300 metres from the foot of the flyover near Subroto Park to help people reach nearby residential colonies and roads
It is a single-lane u-turn allowing commuters to take Benito Juarez Marg, RTR Marg and also to reach Subroto Park
The U-turn is causing traffic logjam near the point where the new RTR flyover ends, as high speed vehicles slow down for the traffic taking the turn
It is often seen that commuters, who had to go straight to the airport, mistakenly take the u-turn lane and obstruct traffic
begin to descend,” the public works department official said.
The residents around the flyover, however, said that the U-turn was a convenient way of reaching their localities.
“This U-turn is the only way using which we can reach the Army Hospital or South Campus. I use the stretch everyday and I have never witnessed any traffic jams,” said Suresh Goel, general secretary of Confederation of Ncr-residents Welfare Associations.
However, not everyone is happy. Rejimon C.K from Dwarka Forum, a citizens group that had been highlighting the problems faced by commuters because of the U-turn, said that not traffic jams but this turn had become a major safety hazard for commuters.
“This U-turn is major traffic
The Delhi Traffic Police had on September 11 written to the PWD, asking them to remove the U-turn
Traffic police has also deployed at least six traffic personnel near the spot
PWD officials say they have not yet received a communication from traffic department
engineering fault. Just 300 metres ahead there are three U-turns below the Airport Road flyover. Here, vehicles bumping into each other is a regular sight, which also holds traffic,” he said.
Some commuters had also complained that the U-turn was confusing and they had to reverse their cars after entering the U-turn lane by mistake.
Earlier, the PWD had said that they were assessing the traffic situation and would take all required measures. They said that they would put signs intimating drivers planning to take the U-turn to keep right and those headed to the airport, Gurugram, etc., to keep left. This would enable vehicles from bunching up after descending the flyover, the PWD officials said.