New Delhi: One of Delhi's largest road bridge infrastructure projects, Barapullah Phase III, is likely to miss its eighth deadline because a critical 40-metre bridge deck on the Sarai Kale Khan-Mayur Vihar carriageway has not yet been cast. With only eleven days left until the June 30 deadline, a Times of India inspection on Friday revealed that while most of the 3.5km elevated corridor is structurally complete, several essential works remain unfinished. Multiple officials indicated that the project could be fully completed by July 10 and possibly opened to the public by July 15.
Casting and Curing Process
The casting of the under-construction deck is scheduled for Monday. A few workers in safety helmets were observed moving across the expansive deck to apply finishing touches before the casting begins. An official explained that after casting, the deck would require at least 15 days of curing and strength gain before it can be processed further to allow traffic.
Workforce and Monitoring
Over 400 ground-level workers are operating 24x7 in different shifts to expedite the project, while around 250 additional workers are engaged in related tasks. Public Works Department (PWD) minister Parvesh Verma is reportedly monitoring the work almost daily, according to an official. However, no response was available from Verma or his office regarding the latest delay. Significant progress has been made since March. The Mayur Vihar-Sarai Kale Khan carriageway is now nearly ready, with only a 400-metre stretch awaiting bitumen surfacing. On Friday afternoon, about half a dozen workers from Rajasthan were seen sweeping and preparing the surface for black-topping, while construction vehicles such as bitumen pavers, rollers, and support trucks were lined up. "The black topping will be done in a couple of days," said a worker.
Remaining Works
However, parts of the parapet walls are not yet ready on both carriageways, with labourers making final preparations for casting. Other unfinished tasks on both carriageways include installation and finishing of multiple expansion joints, electrical and lighting works, and road markings.
Reasons for Delay
Officials attributed the delay partly to a shortage of bitumen and industrial gas due to the West Asia conflict. Labour shortages caused by migration during the recent West Bengal elections also affected schedules, they added.
Project Significance
Barapullah Phase III is expected to significantly improve connectivity between east and south Delhi by providing a seamless signal-free corridor across the Yamuna. The project has faced repeated delays since work began in 2015 due to various reasons, including a seven-year land acquisition dispute.
