Delhi's Rajghat Crossing to Go Signal-Free in PWD Trial to Ease Ring Road Traffic
Commuters traveling along Ring Road from Rajghat in New Delhi may soon experience a significantly smoother journey. The Public Works Department (PWD) is planning to implement a trial signal-free scheme at the busy Rajghat crossing, aiming to eliminate traffic lights and introduce controlled U-turns instead.
Redesigning Infrastructure for Continuous Traffic Flow
The proposal focuses on removing traffic signals at both Rajghat and Shanti Van intersections. By redesigning road infrastructure and permitting regulated U-turns, PWD officials believe this model will reduce bottlenecks and maintain continuous vehicle movement on one of Delhi's most congested corridors. The plan emphasizes channeling traffic rather than stopping it, so vehicles will no longer halt at red lights at these junctions.
Movement will be managed through designated U-turns and enhanced lane discipline. This trial is under close observation as Ring Road handles a high volume of mixed traffic, including private vehicles, buses, and heavy transport. Even brief stops at signals often trigger long queues and spillover congestion, making this initiative critical for urban mobility.
Upgraded Safety and Guidance Measures
To support the new arrangement, the department is upgrading road safety and guidance infrastructure at the junction. Reflective raised pavement markers, commonly known as cat eyes, will be installed to improve lane visibility, especially during nighttime and poor weather conditions. These studs are designed to withstand heavy loads and abrasion, ensuring durability on a stretch with continuous traffic.
Additionally, flexible median markers with fluorescent retro-reflective surfaces will help separate traffic streams and prevent unsafe lane changes near U-turn points. New signage will be placed to provide clear directional information to motorists well in advance. The emphasis is on ensuring drivers can easily read road markings and signs, reducing last-minute braking or sudden turns that often contribute to congestion and accidents at major intersections.
Strategic Location and Potential Impact
The location of this project is crucial. Rajghat and Shanti Van form a key node on Ring Road, linking central Delhi with east and north Delhi. The junction is also frequently used by buses and commercial vehicles, amplifying its impact on overall traffic flow. Officials state that even marginal improvements at this junction could have a wider ripple effect, easing travel times, cutting fuel wastage, and reducing pressure on surrounding roads.
If the trial proves effective, the signal-free U-turn model could be replicated at other high-traffic intersections across Delhi. Atul Ranjit Kumar, an urban transport expert and secretary general of Guru Hanaman Society of Bharat, an NGO, provided details on the infrastructure changes.
Specific Infrastructure Modifications:
- The existing U-turn located around 150 meters from the Rajghat crossing will be widened and reshaped to allow smoother turning spaces for vehicles on both carriageways.
- At the Rajghat signal, the central verge of the main carriageway will be closed using sliding, retractable safety barriers, preventing direct crossing at the junction.
- Instead of signal-controlled crossings, a new cut-in-median type U-turn will be opened at a suitable location, roughly midway between the Rajghat and Shanti Van crossings, with offsets provided on both carriageways to manage traffic from either direction.
- A similar arrangement will be created near Shanti Van.
This initiative represents a proactive approach by Delhi's PWD to tackle chronic traffic issues through innovative urban planning, potentially setting a precedent for future traffic management strategies in the city.
