Construction of the proposed Modi Mill flyover has narrowed the carriageway between Modi Mill and Kalkaji, prompting Delhi Traffic Police to ask the Public Works Department to deploy 8-10 traffic marshals from September 16 to manage congestion and curb wrong-side driving.
The flyover work began last month, and fresh barricades have been installed opposite Hotel Meriton. Construction machinery is occupying part of the road, forcing vehicles to slow sharply as they approach the barricaded stretch. Traffic queues have formed even during afternoon hours, when movement is generally lighter.
Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary said traffic police had visited the site with stakeholders and communicated their observations to the PWD. The marshals will assist traffic personnel in regulating vehicles and preventing the narrowed corridor from becoming further blocked by wrong-side driving and encroachments.
The immediate traffic management measure is being planned as construction continues through the Modi Mill-Kalkaji corridor. Vehicles approaching the work zone have been negotiating reduced road space, with traffic building up behind them. Commuters have also posted complaints on social media, describing severe congestion near the foot of the Modi Mill flyover.
Wrong-side movement has emerged as a particular concern at the site. Traffic police said vehicles coming from the Okhla side often enter the road in the wrong direction to reach Govindpuri, adding to the pressure on the narrowed carriageway. The movement creates conflicts between vehicles and can turn an existing slowdown into a larger traffic jam.
The disruption is also affecting traffic linked to the Okhla industrial area. Rajan Sharma, president of the Okhla Industrial Estate Association, said the construction zone had made the stretch difficult for commuters and industrial workers. He said wrong-side driving and traffic from Okhla were worsening conditions after construction reduced the available road space.
According to Sharma, a journey of a few kilometres can now take 30-40 minutes. He also called for additional traffic deployment and cameras to deter wrong-side movement and keep the corridor clear. His comments indicate that the impact is being felt not only by through-traffic but also by people travelling to and from the industrial estate.
The deployment of marshals is intended to keep vehicles moving while the flyover work proceeds. Traffic police said the personnel would regulate movement at the site and help prevent violations or encroachments from further choking the corridor. The PWD is expected to deploy the 8-10 marshals near Modi Mill from the following day, as requested by traffic police.
