Good news for Okhla! Ashram flyover opened for traffic: 5 things to know
In a major relief to commuters travelling between Delhi and Noida, the Ashram flyover was opened for traffic by the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday. With this initiative of the Delhi Government, commuters will be able to travel from Noida to AIIMS signal-free, as three red lights between Ashram and DND will be bypassed. The opening of the Ashram flyover was a much-awaited event for the residents of the NCR and this will save time as well as fuel for everyone using this stretch.
1. Delhi’s biggest bottleneck now cleared, CM Arvind Kejriwal inaugurates Ashram flyover extension
2. People travelling from ITO, Noida and Ghaziabad to Lajpat Nagar will no longer have to face traffic jams on Ashram flyover
3. With the opening of Ashram flyover, people travelling from Lajpat Nagar will be able to go to Sarai Kale Khan and DND without any hindrance
4. Second part of the Ashram flyover has been opened and with its commencement three red lights will be eliminated
5. Initially, only light vehicles will be permitted to use it for a brief period of time because of a high-tension wire that still needs to be removed
Speaking at the event, Kejriwal said earlier there used to be long traffic jams in this area, particularly during the office-going hours in the morning as well as evening, but this extension of the flyover will now bring relief to lakhs of citizens on a daily basis.
The Delhi CM said there are only a few minor tasks remaining before the flyover can be fully operational. Initially, only light vehicles will be permitted to use it for a brief period of time because of a high-tension wire that still needs to be removed. Once this is done, then other vehicles will also be allowed to use the flyover. The total length of the flyover including the ramp is 1,425 metres.
The Chief Minister congratulated the people of Delhi and acknowledged that although the construction caused some traffic-related inconvenience, it was necessary to bring about positive change. The Chief Minister apologised for any trouble caused during the construction period but emphasised that the completion of the project will bring about new opportunities. Additionally, he recognised the hard work of the PWD engineers, congratulating them on completing the project ahead of schedule despite initial doubts about the plan to finish the project within 45 to 60 days.
He stated that the AAP government has been working tirelessly to improve the infrastructure in Delhi, with a particular focus on transport and roads, since they took office. He shared that there are presently 101 flyovers and underpasses in Delhi, and the AAP government has constructed 27 of them in the last seven years. The Chief Minister further explained that the remaining 74 flyovers and underpasses were built over the course of 65 years before their government came to power.
Kejriwal also shared that several flyover projects are currently underway in various parts of Delhi, which will help alleviate traffic congestion in the city. Currently, 15 mega projects related to flyovers or their expansion or doubling are in the pipeline. Providing details of these projects he said a 6-lane flyover is being constructed at Punjabi Bagh, which is expected to be completed by December 31 this year. The on-going work of doubling the flyover at Sarai Kale Khan is expected to be completed by July 31 this year.
The construction of a flyover is going on near Anand Vihar Road No. 56, which will be completed by August 31. A flyover is being built at Gagan Cinema on Mangal Pandey Marg. Doubling of flyover at Savitri Cinema, Nehru Place is in the process, flyovers are also coming up at Rotary Act in Shalimar Bagh, Najafgarh-Phirni Road, Maa Anandamayi Flyover, Tripolia Gate-Rani Jhansi Flyover, East-West corridor, North-South corridor, Elevated Road from Wazirabad Signature Bridge to DND Flyway, Extension of Nehru Place flyover till Modi Mill flyover, Railway Overbridge at LC-12 Kheda Khurd.
Furthermore, the Delhi CM added that there are plans to beautify all the roads in Delhi by regularly cleaning and washing them, as well as using mechanical sucking machines to remove mud. The first phase of the project will involve cleaning 1480 kms of PWD roads that are more than 60 feet wide.
The Chief Minister concluded by saying that there has already been significant improvements to the city’s appearance, with many areas now featuring flower strips and beautiful lights. He added that the goal of the Delhi Government is to continue beautifying and maintaining the streets of Delhi, with more roads set to undergo similar transformations.
