Delhi's Major NH Stretches to Become Signal-Free, Slashing Travel Times
New Delhi: In a significant move to alleviate traffic congestion, the Centre announced plans to make three major National Highway stretches passing through Delhi largely signal-free. The initiative, revealed by the road transport ministry in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, aims to dramatically reduce travel times for commuters.
Three Key Corridors Targeted for Transformation
The ministry identified three critical NH stretches for this upgrade:
- Ashram to Badarpur: This stretch will see three flyovers constructed to eliminate most signals. Currently, congestion causes travel times of 60 to 90 minutes, which is expected to be significantly reduced.
- Mehrauli to Gurgaon: Once made signal-free, travel time on this route is projected to drop from one hour to just 15 minutes.
- Punjabi Bagh to Tikri Border: Flyovers at major junctions will make this stretch largely signal-free, cutting travel time from 90 minutes to approximately 30 minutes.
Minister Harsh Malhotra Provides Detailed Updates
Responding to questions in Parliament, Minister of State for Road Transport and East Delhi MP Harsh Malhotra confirmed that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) for all three stretches. "We are committed to easing traffic flow in the capital region," Malhotra stated.
He emphasized the impact on the Ashram-Badarpur corridor: "Three flyovers will be built on the Ashram-Badarpur stretch to make it mostly signal-free. Currently, because of congestion, it takes around one to one-and-a-half hours. This travel time will be reduced."
Kalindi Kunj Interchange and Additional Projects
Beyond the three main stretches, the ministry plans a major interchange at Kalindi Kunj, similar to the Dhaula Kuan model, to handle six intersecting roads. "Similarly, we will make the intersection at Kalindi Kunj signal-free by building an interchange," Malhotra explained.
He also provided updates on other National Capital Region (NCR) projects:
- The DND-Faridabad stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is expected to become operational within six months.
- The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor will be fully operational in 8-10 days, reducing travel time to the hill capital to under two-and-a-half hours.
Parliamentary Context and Broader Implications
The announcement came during a session where Malhotra responded to a supplementary question from South Delhi MP Ram Vir Singh Bidhuri. The projects underscore the government's focus on infrastructure development to boost connectivity and economic growth in the NCR.
By transforming these NH stretches into signal-free corridors, the Centre aims not only to cut travel times but also to reduce pollution and fuel consumption associated with stop-and-go traffic. The initiatives are part of a broader strategy to modernize India's highway network and improve urban mobility.
