PWD Aims to Ease Congestion Near IGI Airport with New Transit Corridor Plans
To improve traffic flow around Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and provide much-needed relief to daily commuters, the Public Works Department (PWD) is moving forward with plans to decongest a critical junction near the NSG headquarters in Mehram Nagar. The increased movement of taxis, coupled with a rise in airport-bound traffic, has made this junction a hotbed for traffic snarls. The PWD’s solution involves developing an integrated transit corridor that will alleviate congestion and smoothen access to the airport.
According to PWD officials, discussions are in progress regarding the best way to address the growing traffic issues. A feasibility study will be conducted to explore the potential construction of an underpass, flyover, or a combination of both to reduce bottlenecks. The study will aim to find the most effective solution for easing congestion while considering the long-term capacity needs of the area.
This ambitious project will also involve the widening of North Access Road, which is a key route connecting the airport and several major hotels in the Aerocity area. This road is a vital link to Terminal 3 of the airport, and widening it could significantly reduce traffic pressure, especially during peak hours. The Mehram Nagar junction itself is a major point of concern. Officials note that during peak travel times, long queues form, causing delays for passengers trying to reach the airport. With increasing airport traffic, especially from taxis, the situation has become unsustainable, prompting PWD to prioritise this junction for improvements. The proposed corridor is expected to address traffic jams on nearby roads, including Dwarka Road, Mehram Nagar, and Ulan Batar Road. These areas frequently experience congestion, and the project aims to alleviate these pressure points by improving the overall flow of traffic in the region. This plan follows a similar initiative in the Punjabi Bagh area, where PWD constructed a main flyover and a ‘half flyover’ to decongest a section of Ring Road. The success of these projects has set a precedent for the current plans around IGI Airport.
The tender for conducting the feasibility study has already been floated. The study will not only include an analysis of traffic patterns but also look into the environmental, economic, and social costs of implementing the scheme. Consultants will be tasked with conducting a comprehensive traffic volume count survey and identifying any potential issues, such as the presence of underground utilities or encroachments, which could complicate the construction process. This study is expected to be completed within two months, with a detailed report and layout plan to be submitted to PWD for approval. Once the study is finalised, a detailed project report will be prepared and sent to the government for further review and approval. As airport traffic continues to rise, it is becoming increasingly crucial to improve the efficiency of roads leading to IGI Airport. The PWD’s initiative to decongest the Mehram Nagar junction is a significant step towards ensuring that the airport remains accessible and well-connected for both passengers and commuters in the future. With the feasibility study underway, the region is set to witness key infrastructure improvements that will support the growing demand for air travel in the capital.
