Delhi’s Mukarba Chowk Underpasses Near Completion, Set to Ease Major Traffic Bottleneck

New Delhi: The long-awaited underpasses at Mukarba Chowk in north Delhi are set to become operational within the coming days, with construction nearing completion and final finishing work currently in progress. The project is expected to significantly ease congestion at one of the Capital’s busiest intersections along the Outer Ring Road.

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma stated that approximately 98 per cent of the work has been completed. The inauguration will take place once a date is finalised by the Chief Minister. He added that similar infrastructure initiatives are being undertaken across Delhi to address persistent traffic bottlenecks.

Project Overview

The development comprises three underpasses constructed near Gate No. 3 of the Haiderpur Badli Mor Metro Station. Of these, two are designed for vehicular traffic, while a third has been dedicated to pedestrians and non-motorised users.

The project aims to streamline connectivity between key areas including Badli village, Rohini Sectors 18 and 19, Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, Shalimar Bagh, Azadpur Mandi, and Adarsh Nagar.

Relief from Chronic Congestion

Mukarba Chowk has long been a major traffic bottleneck, particularly during peak hours. Commuters currently face delays either by navigating the heavily congested junction or taking a detour of nearly 1.5 kilometres via the flyover.

The new underpasses are expected to eliminate this detour, offering direct and smoother connectivity between Badli and Rohini on one side and Azadpur and Jahangirpuri on the other. Officials estimate that approximately 15,800 vehicles will use the corridor daily, leading to a substantial improvement in traffic flow.

Design and Engineering Features

Each vehicular underpass measures around 50 metres in length, with a width of 9.6 metres and a height of 6 metres, allowing for seamless movement of various types of vehicles.

The project has been executed using advanced jack pushing technology, where precast reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures are hydraulically pushed into place. This method enabled faster construction while minimising disruption to traffic on the busy arterial road.

Reduced Travel Time and Environmental Benefits

Once operational, the underpasses are expected to reduce travel time by up to 10 minutes per trip and shorten travel distances by nearly one kilometre.

According to PWD estimates, the improved traffic flow could result in annual fuel savings of approximately 58,000 litres. Additionally, reduced idling is projected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by around 135 tonnes annually—equivalent to the absorption capacity of nearly 810 trees.

Enhanced Pedestrian Safety

A key feature of the project is the dedicated pedestrian underpass, which will allow Delhi Metro commuters to safely cross the Outer Ring Road towards Shalimar Bagh and Azadpur Mandi. This addresses long-standing concerns over pedestrian safety in an area prone to accidents due to heavy traffic and inadequate crossing facilities.

Addressing Long-Standing Commuter Concerns

Work on the Mukarba Chowk underpasses began in 2022 and is now nearing completion. The development is expected to bring tangible benefits to thousands of daily commuters, particularly residents of nearby areas such as Badli village and Rohini, who have long faced delays due to congestion near the metro station.

In parallel, desilting of supplementary drains is being carried out by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon season, ensuring the underpasses remain operational year-round.

Officials подчеркнули that the project represents not just an infrastructure upgrade, but a significant step towards improving urban mobility, safety, and environmental sustainability in the national capital.