Railways NOC Clears Final Hurdle for Delhi's Pragati Maidan Underpass Project
New Delhi: In a significant development for urban infrastructure, Indian Railways has granted the long-pending no-objection certificate (NOC) for the stalled underpass-5 project at Pragati Maidan. This clearance removes the last major obstacle, paving the way for the project's completion by December 2026, as confirmed by officials.
Project Overview and Benefits
The underpass, commonly known as the Bhairon Marg underpass, is a critical component of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor project. It is designed to provide signal-free connectivity between Sarai Kale Khan and Mathura Road. Once operational, it will allow commuters to bypass the heavily congested Ring Road-Bhairon Marg junction, significantly improving traffic flow across east, central, and southeast Delhi. Key areas set to benefit include ITO, Rajghat, and Laxmi Nagar, where daily gridlock has been a persistent issue.
Overcoming Prolonged Delays
The clearance marks the end of years of delays that had kept the project in limbo, despite multiple prior approvals. Officials have stated that all major technical and inter-agency issues have now been resolved, enabling the Public Works Department (PWD) to proceed with construction. The project, located in a high-traffic and sensitive zone adjacent to active railway tracks, faced persistent challenges due to engineering complexities and the need for coordination among various agencies.
Key Breakthroughs and Revised Plan
A pivotal moment occurred in August 2025 when the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs approved a revised plan submitted by the PWD. This plan addressed critical concerns such as soil settlement beneath the structure and necessary design modifications near the railway embankment. Under the revised approach, engineers proposed:
- Foundation stabilisation through grouting techniques.
- Structural stitching below the railway line to ensure safety and integrity.
- Adoption of a cast-in-situ construction method better suited to the site's specific conditions.
The approval was granted with the condition that the project be completed within the existing sanctioned budget. However, work remained stalled due to the absence of final clearance from Railways, which was mandatory given the project's proximity to operational tracks.
Government Intervention and Future Focus
Officials revealed that the NOC was secured after sustained engagement between PWD Minister Parvesh Verma and Railway officials, involving multiple rounds of technical discussions and site inspections to address safety concerns. Verma emphasized the government's focus on resolving bottlenecks through direct intervention. He stated, "This project had been stuck for years due to pending clearances and lack of coordination. We worked to resolve issues, instead of passing responsibility. With this NOC, the final hurdle has been cleared. The focus is now on execution, speed, and accountability. The project will be completed by December 2026."
Project Significance and Timeline
The underpass is the last of six planned underpasses under the corridor project, which aims to decongest traffic around Pragati Maidan and the redeveloped convention complex. Officials have underscored the emphasis on timely execution to prevent further delays, ensuring that this vital infrastructure enhancement meets its December 2026 deadline and delivers promised benefits to Delhi's commuters.
