New Delhi: Delhi is set to receive two new bridges across the Yamuna River as part of the first phase of the proposed Elevated Ring Road project, which has secured government approval. The initial stretch will run from Metcalfe House to the DND Flyway near Ashram, aiming to enhance connectivity between north, north-east and south-east Delhi.
Project Details and Approvals
According to Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma, the elevated corridor will be constructed above the existing 55-km Ring Road and will be executed in six packages, of which the first three have been cleared. “The feasibility study and detailed project report (DPR) have been completed and are under review. They will be sent to the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC) for further approvals,” he said.
Phase 1 Segments
Officials stated that the first phase will cover approximately 25 km in three segments: Azadpur Chowk to Metcalfe House (7 km), Majnu Ka Tila to Salimgarh Fort (5 km), and Salimgarh Fort to the DND Flyway (around 13 km).
Two New Bridges
The two bridges will be built in the Majnu Ka Tila-Salimgarh Fort stretch. One is planned near Chandgi Ram Akhara, close to Metcalfe House, to improve access to north-east Delhi, ITO and Mayur Vihar. It is also designed to integrate with the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway in the future. The second bridge, proposed near the Old Iron Bridge (Lohe Ka Pul), is expected to replace the ageing structure and ease traffic pressure on existing crossings such as the ITO bridge and Yudhister Setu near Kashmere Gate.
Benefits and Features
A senior PWD official said the new links will provide a direct route connecting north-east, east and south-east Delhi with the DND Flyway, improving traffic flow across the city. The Ring Road, or Mahatma Gandhi Marg, is among Delhi’s busiest corridors. The project aims to separate through traffic from local vehicles, addressing congestion caused by heavy transit flow.
The plan includes 15 interchanges and 23 entry and exit points. Officials said the corridor will enable signal-free movement, reduce congestion, improve road safety and lower emissions.
Traffic and Cost Estimates
PWD estimates show that around 2.4 lakh vehicles use the corridor daily, while 11 major junctions handle about 3.3 lakh vehicles. Peak-hour speeds average about 24 kmph. The project, estimated to cost Rs 12,000 crore, is part of the Delhi government’s broader plan to address traffic congestion. The government is likely to seek financial support from the Centre. Once completed, the network is expected to cover nearly 80 km, improving connectivity across the capital.
