Delhi’s around 9-km Barapullah Phase-3 elevated corridor was inaugurated on Tuesday, completing a key link between Mayur Vihar Phase-1 in east Delhi and AIIMS in the south and creating a signal-free route across a heavily used part of the capital.
The corridor merges with the existing Barapullah flyover at Sarai Kale Khan. It is intended to improve connectivity between east and south Delhi and reduce dependence on routes with frequent signal stops. The completed project is also expected to provide dedicated facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.
Traffic movement around the inauguration was scheduled to be affected between Sarai Kale Khan and Ashram Chowk from 9am to 2pm on Tuesday, according to a traffic advisory. The affected stretch included Sarai Kale Khan, Maharani Bagh and Ashram Chowk. Commuters were advised to avoid the Ring Road section between Sarai Kale Khan and Ashram Chowk and use alternative routes during the ceremony.
Authorities expected a large number of people to reach the flyover site in buses and cars for the inauguration. Union home minister Amit Shah inaugurated the corridor. Delhi Public Works Department minister Parvesh Verma said Shah also laid the foundation stones for two new flyovers — between Modi Mill and Kalkaji and at Savitri Cinema — and inaugurated the Mukarba Chowk underpass.
The two proposed flyovers are aimed at improving traffic movement in south Delhi. The Mukarba Chowk underpass is part of efforts to improve connectivity on the Outer Ring Road in north Delhi, according to the report.
The Barapullah Phase-3 project was approved in 2014, while construction began in 2015. It was initially scheduled for completion in 2017 but faced multiple delays and cost overruns. Its revised project cost is around Rs 1,635 crore.
With Phase 3 now linked to the existing Barapullah network, the completed route is expected to provide signal-free connectivity from Mayur Vihar Phase-1 towards AIIMS. The next immediate operational issue for commuters is the traffic management around the newly opened corridor and the adjoining Ring Road stretches.
