Transformative Infrastructure Projects Set to Alleviate Traffic in Delhi-NCR
Introduction to Major Infrastructure Developments
The persistent traffic congestion in the Delhi-NCR region may soon become a thing of the past. Four significant highway and tunnel initiatives are currently underway, promising to enhance infrastructure and connectivity. These developments aim to drastically cut travel times and improve links between Delhi and its neighboring cities.
Collaborative Efforts for Improved Connectivity
These projects are advancing swiftly thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Road Transport, the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh governments, along with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The primary goal is to facilitate quick and efficient connections between Delhi and key cities such as Gurgaon, Noida, and Faridabad, thereby alleviating the burden on the already congested roads in the NCR.
Elevated Expressway from Dhaula Kuan to Manesar
A pivotal aspect of this initiative is the proposed elevated expressway linking Dhaula Kuan in Delhi to Manesar. This project is designed to ease the heavy traffic on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway. Following high-level discussions between Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Rao Inderjit Singh, the plan is nearing final approval.
Once completed, this expressway will provide a quicker alternative for daily commuters and long-distance travelers, significantly reducing travel times.
Dwarka-Vasant Kunj Tunnel Construction
In southwest Delhi, a 5 km underground tunnel is being constructed to connect Dwarka and Vasant Kunj. This tunnel will extend from Shiv Murti (Mahipalpur) to Nelson Mandela Road (Vasant Kunj) and will feature six lanes, with an estimated cost of Rs 3,500 crore. The project has received approval from Union Minister Gadkari, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has hailed it as a crucial step in addressing the region's traffic issues.
Connecting Yamuna Pushta Road to NH-9
Another ambitious plan involves linking the Yamuna Embankment Road to NH-9, which will facilitate access to the upcoming Noida International Airport. The NHAI is set to commence construction once it secures the necessary approvals from the Noida Authority and the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department.
Two options are being considered for this route: an eight-lane ground-level expressway or a six-lane elevated road. This new route will run parallel to the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway along the Yamuna and is expected to benefit approximately 1 million residents.
UER-2: Delhi's New Third Ring Road
The latest milestone among these projects is the Urban Extension Road-2 (UER-2), which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Spanning 75 km, this six-lane highway will serve as Delhi's third ring road.
This new road will not only facilitate urban commuting by connecting the northwest, west, and southwest regions of Delhi but will also enhance connectivity with neighboring states such as Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.