Residents of Chittaranjan Park have urged the Delhi government to delay construction of the second Savitri Cinema flyover until the festive season ends, warning that work could intensify congestion and restrict emergency access across a busy south Delhi corridor. Their appeal comes as construction of the Modi Mill flyover has also begun, creating another active work zone on the city’s roads.
The Chittaranjan Park Senior Citizens’ Welfare Society wrote to the Delhi chief minister after the stone-laying ceremony for the second Savitri flyover was held on September 29. The society said the timing of construction was a major concern because more than five lakh devotees are expected to visit the area during the festive period.
CR Park hosts large gatherings for Durga Puja, followed by Dussehra, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja and Chhath Puja. These events draw visitors from across Delhi-NCR and sharply increase traffic on roads connecting the neighbourhood with the wider south Delhi network.
“For regular commuters, the timing is the biggest worry. Last year, traffic was already affected till RK Puram. If construction starts at Savitri during Durga Puja, the congestion could stretch till Dhaula Kuan,” society secretary PK Paul said.
The Savitri Cinema junction links Greater Kailash-II, Alaknanda, Kalkaji, Govindpuri and Chittaranjan Park. Residents fear that restrictions around the junction could push vehicles onto adjoining roads that are already heavily used. They have also warned that prolonged congestion could affect the movement of ambulances and fire tenders.
The society raised additional safety concerns for pedestrians, senior citizens, women and children who use the roads and public spaces around the festive venues. Its request, however, is focused on the timing of the work rather than opposition to the flyover itself. Residents have said they support the project but want construction to begin after the period of peak festival movement.
The timing of the proposed work has become more significant because the Modi Mill flyover construction is already under way. For commuters, the two work zones could create overlapping restrictions on routes used to travel between central and south Delhi, although the extent of any diversion or closure has not been detailed in the report.
The immediate issue is therefore whether construction activity at Savitri Cinema will begin during the festive period and what traffic-management arrangements will be put in place if it does. Residents’ concerns centre on congestion, emergency movement and pedestrian safety, while the flyover project itself remains supported by the local society. The Delhi government’s response to the request and its decision on the construction schedule are awaited.
