Delhi Traffic Police, along with civic and transport agencies, will launch a comprehensive survey of the Outer Ring Road between Subroto Park and Okhla next month to identify chronic traffic choke points, road design flaws, and illegal parking zones, aiming to formulate sustainable mobility solutions for one of the capital’s most congested arterial corridors.
Since April, commuters have increasingly sounded alarm over crushing delays during peak hours, particularly in stretches near Munirka, IIT flyover, Khel Gaon, Chirag Delhi, Savitri Flyover, and Nehru Place. These hotspots emerged again in a recent citywide survey identifying 134 congested intersections, with 12 located along Delhi’s ring roads. Authorities plan to address these jams through multi-agency collaboration backed by data-driven insights and citizen feedback. Early interventions approved in April led to some improvements—relocation of bus stops near Safdarjung Hospital, and signage installation near the AIIMS loop. However, officials reveal that nearly half of the ten remedial actions remain incomplete. The upcoming survey, slated for July, will assess both the progression of past measures and identify fresh problem areas before escalating solutions.
A senior Traffic Police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the ORR suffers from structural bottlenecks—road narrowings at busy junctions, merging lanes caused by flyover chains, and unchecked parking impeding smooth flows. “Heavy vehicles breaking down without dedicated lanes add to the chaos; we lack emergency pullouts,” they said. To tackle this, survey teams will employ multiple tools—live traffic feeds, CCTV analytics, drone mapping, and on-site inspections. PWD engineers will quantify road width variances, while DTC representatives analyse bus stop functionality. Delhi Jal Board will assess drainage adequacy, crucial for preventing monsoon-induced slowdowns. Findings will feed into a unified action plan targeting sustainable, low-carbon traffic solutions.
Experts highlight that Delhi’s congestion significantly impacts urban air quality and greenhouse emissions. By addressing inefficiencies on ORR, greater traffic smoothness can reduce idling times and vehicle emissions. Urban planner Dr Anjali Mehra notes, “An arterial corridor like ORR has the potential to improve mobility for millions if managed well. Smart signalling and proper road layouts can deliver significant emissions reductions.” Among the anticipated proposals are dedicated bus-only lanes for mass transit, removal of unauthorised parking, relocation of bus stops to wider road segments, and the addition of green verges or pedestrian buffers. Officials will also explore adaptive traffic signal systems, aligning with models deployed in Bengaluru and Mumbai, where sensors adjust signal timings based on real-time volumes.
Directional and safety signage will be upgraded near flyovers, pedestrian crossings, and hospital zones. India’s capital lags behind global peers in wayfinding infrastructure, despite being home to high-traffic areas. Consistent markings and reflective boards could ease navigation and make night-time driving safer. A planned public dashboard will allow citizens to track survey progress and remedial works, improving transparency. City officials emphasise the need for accountability, and have proposed quarterly reviews involving civic bodies and resident welfare associations. Geo-spatial mapping of ORR section from Subroto Park to Okhla shows dense residential pockets, government offices, hospitals and educational institutions—all contributing to mixed traffic. Pulling heavy vehicles out of these zones during peak hours and redirecting public buses to dedicated kerb-side lanes could significantly decongest the corridor.
One Assembly transport expert remarked that success hinges on inter-departmental coordination. “Traffic police, PWD, DTC, civic authorities and state bodies must work in tandem. Without a cohesive institutional framework, ad hoc, piecemeal fixes won’t yield lasting change,” they noted. Funding for ORR upgrades falls under Delhi’s urban infrastructure budgets and smart city allocations, with authorities exploring central grants as well. Delhi’s metro incidents in recent years have heightened demands for safer road networks, particularly as commuters revert to road travel due to pandemic-induced metro hesitations. Environmental advocates also underline the need to balance widening imperatives with tree cover preservation. ORR is lined with mature trees; while road bodies may propose tree removal at narrow chokepoints, green experts advocate replanting and bioswale installation to protect ecological corridors.
This exercise follows central government guidelines on equitable and gender-inclusive roads, emphasising footpaths, cycling lanes and dedicated pick-up-drop zones. Early drafts suggest design reviews will include disabled-friendly kerbs, audio signals at crossings and raised pedestrian platforms to increase safety for women and elderly commuters. As the July survey draws near, citizen groups along ORR report heightened optimism. Mr. Sharma, who regularly commutes for work, said, “Every morning feels like an ordeal. If they can just manage these signals and block unauthorised parking, it would change mornings for thousands.”
While some caution that speed of implementation remains a concern, authorities have flagged a six-month timeline for completing physical infrastructure upgrades once survey data is finalised. They have also proposed quick-win measures—temporary signage, parking prohibitions, and pilot smart signals—before permanent construction begins. If effectively executed, this ORR initiative could serve as a blueprint for transforming arterial roads across Delhi into high-functioning, low-carbon corridors. With thousands affected daily, even marginal improvements in travel time, safety and air quality would yield significant social and environmental dividends.
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