Lajpat Nagar Flyover Safety Barrier Damaged, Raising Public Safety Concerns
In New Delhi, a section of the newly installed polycarbonate view-cutter or noise barriers along the central verge of the Lajpat Nagar flyover has already been damaged, raising significant safety and civic concerns. These barriers were originally installed to shield residents from constant traffic noise and protect commuters from the harsh glare of headlights, especially during nighttime when heavy trucks pass by.
Protective Screen Turns Hazardous
What was intended to serve as a protective screen has, in parts, transformed into a hazard. A drive along the flyover reveals an uneven divider, with bent and misaligned panels. At one point, the sheet juts into the lane, forcing vehicles to swerve abruptly to avoid collision.
The deterioration is particularly concerning given the substantial cost involved. Installing these barriers typically costs between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 50 lakh per side of a flyover, according to experts. However, maintenance poses a significant challenge, as sources acknowledge that theft is a major issue.
"People steal the sheets, railings, even manhole covers—anything that can be sold. Sometimes storms damage them too. We try to replace them when we can," said a source from the Public Works Department (PWD).
Public Outcry and Social Media Alerts
One commuter has been raising concerns on social media since November, flagging the poor condition of the central verge barriers and calling them dangerous for road users. In one post, the commuter wrote: "Need to intervene. The central verge fibre cover of poor quality can be seen on the Lajpat Nagar flyover. Needs attention and scrutiny. Please remove, as it is too dangerous for riders."
In the same month, PWD floated a tender for the maintenance and repair of sound barriers on the flyover. The project included installing multi-walled polycarbonate sheets with steel framing, along with cutting, welding, and support structures. The specifications mentioned UV-coated, weather-resistant sheets designed to meet impact and fire safety standards.
Persistent Issues Despite Government Efforts
Yet, even as the tender was issued and plans were drawn up, conditions on the ground tell a different story. "We have been raising the issue of damage to the central verge structure and fibre sheets with PWD on Twitter for the past three years, across previous administrations as well as the current one," said Brajesh Sharma, a regular commuter.
"After the new government came in, the sheets were replaced, but within less than a month, the structure started deteriorating again and is coming loose. This is extremely dangerous and poses a serious risk to commuters, both during the day and at night. Installing such fibre structures at this location is not an effective solution and amounts to a waste of public money," he added.
Expert Analysis on Barrier Effectiveness
Dr. Nasim Akhtar, chief scientist and head of the transport planning and environment division at the Central Road Research Institute, stated that the current installation falls short of being an effective noise barrier. "This is not a proper barrier. It is more of a view-cutter. It has been installed in the name of a noise barrier, but its design is inconsistent and discontinuous. On the central verge, it helps reduce glare from headlights and prevent waterlogging on the road below, but its effectiveness is limited," he explained.
He further noted that the curved stretches and design make multi-walled polycarbonate sheets more vulnerable to damage. "These sheets are lighter and tend to bend and come loose easily. High-quality material is essential. Solid polycarbonate sheets would be more durable than the multi-walled ones currently being used," he emphasized.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in urban infrastructure maintenance, with public safety and fiscal responsibility at the forefront of concerns for Delhi's commuters and authorities alike.
