In a significant move to bolster the capital's ageing road infrastructure, the Delhi government's Public Works Department (PWD) has secured administrative and financial approvals totalling over Rs 38 crore for major repair works on two crucial flyovers. The sanctioned funds are earmarked for the Zakira Flyover in west Delhi and the Seelampur Flyover in east Delhi, as part of an ongoing programme focused on structural strengthening and commuter safety.
Major Overhaul for a 1970s-Era Corridor
The government has granted an administrative approval and expenditure sanction of Rs 20.18 crore specifically for the Zakira Flyover. Originally constructed in the 1970s, this flyover serves as a vital arterial link, connecting Rohtak Road and Najafgarh Road in outer Delhi.
It handles exceptionally heavy traffic volumes, including a substantial influx of commercial vehicles from major industrial hubs like Mundka, Nangloi, and Anand Parbat. This makes it one of the busiest freight corridors in the region, and its refurbishment is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters.
The comprehensive scope of work for Zakira Flyover includes:
- Repair of spalled and honeycombed concrete surfaces.
- Replacement of worn-out expansion joints and elastomeric bearings.
- Strengthening of the flyover's girders.
Authorities have issued strict directives for the project to be completed within the sanctioned budget and a stipulated timeline, with no provision for cost escalation.
Seelampur Flyover Gets Rs 17.85 Crore Rehabilitation
Similarly, the Delhi government has approved Rs 17.85 crore for the repair and rehabilitation of the approximately 20-year-old Seelampur Flyover. The approval for this project was formally cleared on December 25, 2025.
This project will involve extensive structural repairs, including the replacement of expansion joints, prestressing of strands, and an overall strengthening of the flyover to ensure its longevity and safety.
Part of a Larger Safety Drive
These approvals are not isolated incidents but part of a broader initiative. In February last year, the PWD announced plans to repair four key flyovers: Sarita Vihar, Shadipur, Seelampur, and Zakira. This was followed by a survey in March, where the Delhi government ordered inspections of all 102 flyovers under the PWD's jurisdiction to assess their structural health.
Tenders were also floated for structural audits of several other flyovers, including the IIT flyover at Africa Avenue junction, the old RTR flyover, and the Modi Mill flyover on Outer Ring Road. The audit revealed that many flyovers, particularly those constructed before the 2010 Commonwealth Games, required urgent repairs.
Stringent Guidelines for Contractors
For both the Zakira and Seelampur projects, the PWD has mandated a robust five-year defect liability period, backed by an appropriate guarantee mechanism. Contractors will be appointed in strict accordance with the Delhi Schedule of Rates (DSR), following approval from the competent authority.
Engineers have been instructed to maintain detailed pre- and post-execution photographs, comply with all finance and vigilance guidelines, and geo-tag the work for transparency and effective monitoring. These measures aim to ensure quality control and accountability throughout the repair process.
The move underscores the government's focus on proactive infrastructure maintenance, aiming to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow on some of Delhi's most burdened transit routes.
