PWD to repair Ashram flyover in 120 days, cops say do it in 20 days

NEW DELHI: Repair work at one of the busiest traffic junctions in the capital — the Ashram Chowk flyover — has led to a clash between two government departments.

The Public Works Department (PWD), which is responsible for the repair and replacement of the expansion joints of the flyovers, has proposed to complete the work in 120 days. But the Delhi Traffic police has said the repair work should be over in 20 days.

“Ashram Chowk is the heart of the city where vehicular movement is the maximum. Though traffic diversions have been put in place, we cannot let commuters suffer for such a long period. We have recommended the PWD to use the highest grade cement, which would require minimum setting time so that the flyover can be reopened for public use at the earliest,” said Anil Shukla, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

An estimated 1 lakh vehicles use both carriageways of the Ashram Chowk flyover every day. When the repair work is on, around one-third vehicles would have to be diverted, said Shukla.

The PWD is due to carry out the repair of expansion joints at the flyover from Sunday morning. Half the carriageway -- from Lajpat Nagar to Sarai Kale Khan — would be closed for commuters for 60 days. In the second phase, the other carriageway — from Sarai Kale Khan to Moolchand — would be closed with effect from September 26.