New Delhi’s urban infrastructure development has received a significant boost with the Nand Nagri flyover project overcoming a key regulatory hurdle. This crucial artery, extending froma the Mandoli prison complex to Gagan Cinema on Mangal Pandey Marg, is designed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion and enhance seamless connectivity. The project’s progress underscores a strategic commitment to modernising urban mobility while navigating environmental considerations for a sustainable future.
The construction of the Nand Nagri flyover represents a pivotal advancement in New Delhi’s ongoing efforts to decongest its arterial road networks. Identified as one of 77 critical road interventions aimed at streamlining urban traffic flow, this flyover is set to forge a vital link between Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and Wazirabad in Delhi, via the iconic Signature Bridge. Its primary objective is to provide a signal-free passage for commuters travelling towards Ghaziabad, Seemapuri, and other adjacent areas, thereby significantly reducing travel times and enhancing overall logistical efficiency within the National Capital Region. This infrastructural upgrade is poised to benefit a vast cross-section of daily commuters, contributing to a more equitable and efficient urban experience for all.
A significant environmental consideration for the project involved the potential impact on existing green cover. The flyover’s path necessitated the felling or transplantation of 27 trees, a process governed by the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA). The project has now secured a special area exemption under Section 29 of the DPTA, which empowers a designated tree officer to make the final determination regarding these trees. This exemption, however, is not an outright permission; it mandates independent and rigorous scrutiny by the tree officer, who must consider all relevant court orders and endeavour to minimise the number of trees affected, prioritising transplantation over felling wherever feasible. This regulatory diligence underscores the city’s commitment to balancing essential infrastructure development with environmental preservation.
Currently, the project exhibits substantial progress, with approximately 70 per cent of the construction work completed. The approach road in front of the prison complex is actively under development, and the structural pillars of the flyover have been successfully erected. Upon completion, the 1.5-kilometre-long flyover will feature six lanes, designed to accommodate high volumes of traffic efficiently. Furthermore, the plan incorporates six strategically placed U-turns beneath the elevated corridor, enhancing local accessibility and traffic management. These include a U-turn near the Nand Nagri police station, two back-to-back U-turns situated 500 metres ahead, another pair near the Gagan Cinema bus stop, and a final U-turn positioned beyond the Gagan Cinema junction.
Beyond its functional utility, the project also incorporates significant enhancements aimed at improving the urban aesthetic and pedestrian experience. The Public Works Department (PWD) is slated to undertake extensive mural work beneath the elevated corridor, transforming the underbelly of the flyover into a vibrant public art space. This initiative contributes to creating a more visually appealing and engaging urban environment. Moreover, the two existing traffic junctions beneath the proposed flyover are earmarked for comprehensive improvement, alongside the development of footpaths, an efficient drainage system, and strategic landscaping. The integration of modern road signages and robust road safety fixtures further reinforces the commitment to creating safe, accessible, and sustainable urban pathways for all users.
The successful completion of the Nand Nagri flyover is expected to yield substantial benefits for urban sustainability. By providing a signal-free route, it will significantly reduce vehicle idling time, leading to a measurable decrease in vehicular emissions and fuel consumption. This direct contribution to improved air quality aligns with the broader agenda of achieving a zero net carbon footprint for urban centres. The enhanced connectivity and reduced travel burden will also foster greater economic activity and improve the quality of life for residents, ensuring that the benefits of modern infrastructure are equitably distributed across communities. This project serves as a testament to the city’s resolve in balancing the demands of rapid urbanisation with the imperative of environmental stewardship and social equity.
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