Delhi is finally set to take shape. After a series of delays since its initial proposal in 2016, the Public Works Department (PWD) is moving forward with the construction of a second flyover at this notoriously crowded intersection.
The area, which leads towards Nehru Place and Okhla, has witnessed a substantial increase in traffic, making the existing road infrastructure inadequate for the growing demand.
Since 2001, a one-way flyover has been in operation at the Savitri Cinema crossing, but the heavy traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours, have made it increasingly difficult for commuters to pass through smoothly. PWD Minister Parvesh Verma recently acknowledged the issue, stating that the road’s width and lack of adequate divergence length were contributing factors to the frequent traffic jams, even during off-peak hours.
To address these concerns, PWD officials have been instructed to start the construction process, with the tendering process set to commence soon. The project has already received the necessary approvals from the road engineering authority, UTTIPEC, as well as the Delhi Urban Arts Committee. This new flyover is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and ease congestion for commuters travelling through this critical section of the Outer Ring Road. However, the project is not without its challenges. The area around the existing flyover is cramped, with space constraints posed by the periphery wall of the Greater Kailash metro station, nearby commercial complexes, and residential areas. Additionally, a bus stop on Ho Chi Minh Marg further complicates the feasibility of constructing a parallel flyover. Despite these limitations, officials are determined to proceed, though some experts warn that the addition of a flyover alone may not be a long-term solution.
S professor of transport planning at the School of Planning and Architecture, cautioned that building a flyover in the area may not fully resolve the traffic problem. While the addition of a second flyover will help alleviate congestion above, the issues below the flyover—such as traffic bottlenecks caused by vehicles turning at the junction—must also be addressed. “The increase in traffic volume will likely continue to pose challenges unless an innovative design solution is incorporated,” he said This new flyover is part of the broader efforts by the PWD to improve Delhi’s infrastructure and tackle its growing traffic issues. In 2015, the department proposed several infrastructure interventions to ease the commute between Sarai Kale Khan and Malviya Nagar in South Delhi. While some of these projects, such as the second flyover at Sarai Kale Khan ISBT, have been completed, others remain in progress.
The construction of a second flyover near Savitri Cinema has been in the works for several years, with the plan first being approved by UTTIPEC in 2016. Officials at the PWD have emphasised that the new flyover will not only ease traffic but also reduce accident risks, which have been prevalent due to the existing road design. Traffic flow is particularly problematic because vehicles attempting to turn right from Ambedkar Nagar and Mehrauli struggle to merge with the main traffic lane, exacerbating congestion during peak hours.
The new flyover, once completed, promises to ease the daily commute for thousands of Delhiites, but it must also be part of a wider strategy to enhance the city’s overall traffic management system. As the project moves forward, stakeholders will need to ensure that the construction process addresses not only the immediate traffic issues but also the long-term sustainability of the area’s infrastructure. Only by integrating smart urban planning and forward-thinking design solutions can Delhi hope to alleviate its worsening traffic woes while ensuring the safety and convenience of its residents.
Delhi Savitri Cinema Flyover Project Gains Momentum
