The reopening of the closed lane of Delhi’s RTR flyover in South Delhi will depend on the results of a load test scheduled around Sunday midnight, with the Public Works Department planning to restore traffic as early as Monday if the structure clears its safety checks.
The lane towards Vasant Vihar was closed after cracks were found on the flyover. Two locations were identified initially, while a subsequent inspection found cracks at three additional spots. Repair work has now been completed at all five locations, according to the report.
The next stage involves testing the strength of the repaired concrete and assessing the flyover under load. The test will be conducted under the supervision of a structural consultant, after which the authorities will decide whether the lane can safely be reopened to traffic.
PWD officials said samples would be tested to determine the strength of the concrete used in the repairs. The structural consultant will also oversee the load test. The final decision will be based on the findings of these examinations rather than on the completion of the repair work alone.
Officials indicated that the lane could reopen on Monday if the results are favourable. However, if the safety assessment takes longer or the test results are delayed, motorists may have to wait until Tuesday. The report does not state that the reopening has been confirmed; it remains conditional on the inspection and testing process.
The closure has affected traffic moving between Gurugram and Dhaula Kuan. With vehicles being diverted through alternative routes, roads in the surrounding area have experienced additional traffic pressure. The flyover is an important link for commuters travelling between the Delhi-Gurugram corridor and South Delhi, making the timing of the safety decision significant for daily road users.
The episode also highlights the operational consequence of closing a single lane on a heavily used urban flyover. While alternative routes can keep traffic moving, diversions shift pressure to nearby roads and can increase travel delays for motorists who do not use the flyover directly. In this case, the authorities have prioritised structural inspection and concrete testing before permitting traffic to resume.
The immediate next step is the load test and the assessment of the repaired sections by the structural consultant. PWD officials are expected to take the final decision on reopening after the concrete-strength tests and structural safety findings are available.
