New Delhi: Delhi govt is examining a proposal to build a nearly 500-metre underpass near the Crowne Plaza traffic signal in Mayur Vihar Phase 1 to ease congestion on the busy Delhi-UP Road.“The proposed underpass would allow vehicles coming from the DND side and heading towards Chilla and Trilokpuri to bypass the busy junction. If implemented, commuters on this route would avoid one traffic signal,” a senior Delhi govt official said.The Crowne Plaza junction sees a mix of through traffic, local vehicles and vehicles making turns. During rush hour, the signal results in bottlenecks and long queues.In the proposal that is before PWD, through traffic would be diverted to the underpass, while local traffic and vehicles making turns would continue to use the road. Officials are also examining the possibility of developing a rotary at the surface for traffic management.The alignment of the underpass has not yet been finalised. PWD is assessing how the structure would sit with the existing road network and where its entry and exit points should be. The department is also studying how traffic would be regulated on the road above once the underpass is made, he said.The project is currently at the feasibility stage and no construction has been finalised. Officials are assessing the proposed alignment, existing traffic movement and infrastructure that could be affected before taking the proposal forward.A key part of the assessment is the mapping of underground utilities along the proposed route. Water pipelines, electricity cables, gas lines, telecom networks and other infrastructure will have to be identified. Utilities found to be in conflict with the proposed alignment may need to be protected, shifted or modified.PWD will also survey trees along the corridor. The assessment will record the species, size, condition and location. Effort will be made to retain as many trees as possible, he said.The proposal is being examined at a time when connectivity around Mayur Vihar and the Delhi-Noida corridor is also undergoing changes. The ongoing Barapullah Phase III corridor project is aimed at improving connectivity between Mayur Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan.This is a 3.5-km signal-free road project in Delhi that connects Mayur Vihar Phase-I (east Delhi) with Sarai Kale Khan and AIIMS (south Delhi). It is likely to open next month.
