Delhi’s newly opened Barapullah Phase-III corridor is facing severe congestion at the Sundial Park loop, where around six lanes of traffic merge abruptly into an existing two-lane stretch through a near-90-degree turn. The traffic bottleneck has caused delays of up to an hour and sent tailbacks across several major roads in south and southeast Delhi.
The problem occurs where approximately three lanes from the new Barapullah corridor meet three lanes of traffic from the Sundial Park loop. The combined flow then enters the existing Barapullah flyover, which has only two lanes. The sharp change in direction and sudden reduction in road capacity has created a major conflict point as vehicles converge.
Traffic police identified the junction as one of the main bottlenecks during an aerial survey conducted after congestion continued on the corridor. The new route has attracted traffic that would otherwise have used NH-24 and the DND Flyway, increasing the volume funnelled towards the older Barapullah stretch.
On the first day of operation, commuters reported delays of up to an hour, with traffic queues extending for several kilometres. Congestion subsequently spread to the Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, Mathura Road, DND, Bhairon Marg and other connecting roads in the capital’s southern and southeastern areas.
Traffic police have asked the Public Works Department to place barricades or cones near the problematic junction. The proposed measure is intended to alter the road geometry, create a tapered merge and prevent vehicles from encountering an abrupt narrowing. Traffic personnel have also been deployed at key merging points to regulate vehicle movement during peak hours.
Officials are examining further measures, including diverting traffic towards NH-24 wherever feasible. Experts have also flagged the need for improved lane channelisation, clearer road markings and better treatment of merging areas to guide vehicles through the transition.
The Barapullah Phase-III project was approved in 2014 and construction began in 2015. It was originally scheduled for completion in 2017 but faced repeated delays. The Rs 1,635-crore corridor connects Mayur Vihar Phase-I with Sarai Kale Khan and merges with the existing Barapullah network, providing onward connectivity towards AIIMS and south Delhi.
The traffic police and PWD are now considering the proposed barricading, diversion and lane-management measures at the merge. Traffic personnel are expected to continue regulating movement at the junction during peak periods while the agencies assess additional changes.
