New Delhi: The much-awaited trial run on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway’s DND Flyway-Jaitpur carriageway, which includes the Ashram-Kalindi Kunj stretch, has begun. However, with the other side still shut for additional safety work, the real impact of the new link in easing pressure on the busy Kalindi Kunj intersection is yet to be seen.National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently opened the 9km DND Flyway-Jaitpur stretch on a trial basis. Nearly 8.5km of this is elevated. Officials said about 50km of the 59km Delhi link, from DND Flyway to its junction with KMP Expressway, has now been opened in phases.At present, vehicles travelling from Faridabad, Palwal and other areas along the expressway converge around Kalindi Kunj before moving towards Delhi, adding to the load on the intersection and adjoining roads.The expressway is intended to provide a faster link between Delhi, Faridabad and beyond, but its opening has also raised hopes of easing pressure on the heavily congested Kalindi Kunj intersection, which sees the movement of 5-6 lakh vehicles during peak hours. Sources said the impact on the junction can be assessed only after the opening of the Jaitpur-DND side, where rumble strips, speed breakers and other traffic-calming measures are being installed.Meanwhile, the trial on the side that is now operational has highlighted some issues. On the Madanpur Khadar side, traffic merges at a particular point, raising safety concerns, sources said. An NHAI official said the trial is aimed at identifying issues on the stretch so they can be addressed in coordination with the traffic police before the route is fully opened.Another challenge is limited awareness among commuters. Traffic officials are also keeping an eye on motorists taking the wrong side on parts of the route.Once both the carriageways open, the project will face its real test: whether the additional connectivity can redistribute traffic and ease the pressure on Kalindi Kunj.Delhi-Mumbai Expressway was initially conceived as a corridor connecting Sohna with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust near Mumbai. However, in Aug 2018, NHAI proposed extending the route up to DND Flyway, allowing the expressway to have a direct connection with Delhi.
