Delhi: Delayed by over two years, RTR flyover to open on June 30

“Once it is ready, over one lakh residents will benefit from it on a daily basis. It will reduce airport-bound traffic congestion on the ground by a great extent,” said Bhansal.

The flyover extends from Munirka to Army RR Hospital on the Outer Ring Road. Besides easing travel to and from the airport, the flyover is expected to decongest the Outer Ring Road, RTR Marg and Ring Road. Roads around JNU, Munirka, Vasant Vihar and RK Puram are expected to see less traffic.

The project began in November 2014 with a budget of Rs 278 crore and was scheduled to be completed in 2016. “The construction got delayed as there were court cases by residents of the area. Plus we required permission for felling trees, which took time. Lastly, the contractor was financially incompetent,” said Bhansal. In 2017, the contractor asked for an extension due to a financial crunch.

PWD was given permission to cut trees and the residents’ petitions were dismissed by the Delhi High Court. After further delays by the contractor in 2018, the PWD slapped the contractor with a Rs 27.8-crore penalty.

Only 30% of the work was completed till November 2018, after which construction picked up pace. By March 31, 70% of the work was complete. The construction of a skywalk and an underpass in BJ Marg, Ring Road is underway.