New Delhi: Delhi is set to get two new bridges across the Yamuna as part of the first phase of the proposed Elevated Ring Road project, which has received govt approval. The initial stretch will run from Metcalfe House to the DND Flyway, near Ashram, aimed at improving connectivity between north, north-east and south-east Delhi.According to Public Works Department minister Parvesh Verma, the elevated corridor will come up above the existing 55-km Ring Road and 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.Officials said the first phase will cover about 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).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 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.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.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.PWD estimates show 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 govt’s broader plan to address traffic congestion. The govt 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.
