New Delhi: The Public Works Department (PWD) is set to resume long-pending repair work on the Sarita Vihar flyover starting today, resulting in a partial closure that will remain in place until August 8. The development is expected to cause significant traffic disruption across southeast Delhi, Noida, and Faridabad, as authorities prepare for heavy congestion and implement diversion plans.
This latest round of maintenance will involve shutting down the carriageway heading from Badarpur to Ashram. The PWD had initially launched major repair work on the ageing 24-year-old structure in October 2024. However, progress was quickly stalled due to a surge in pollution levels and the enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which restricts construction activity to reduce dust pollution in the National Capital Region.
Slated for repair since 2023
Further delays were caused by the general elections, inconsistent weather conditions, and setbacks in obtaining traffic clearance. Since the repairs were first scheduled in 2023, the flyover, an essential link connecting Delhi to Noida, Faridabad, and key parts of southeast Delhi has faced repeated logistical hurdles.
The traffic police have now approved the recommencement of work and deployed more than 50 officers across affected routes to manage vehicle movement and oversee diversions. The initial phase, which covered repairs to the Ashram-bound carriageway from Badarpur, has already been completed. The second phase will now address the opposite side, necessitating new traffic arrangements.
Traffic diversions and alternate route options
Drivers are being urged to steer clear of Mathura Road between Badarpur and Ashram, with two alternate routes now in place for those travelling from the Badarpur border towards Ashram.
One detour directs motorists along MB Road to Pul Prahladpur and Lal Kuan, before merging onto Maa Anandmai Marg. From there, the route continues past Crowne Plaza and Govindpuri, eventually joining the Modi Mill flyover to reach Ashram.
The second option guides traffic onto a slip road adjacent to the Sarita Vihar flyover, leading to Okhla. Vehicles are then rerouted through Govindpuri and Modi Mill before returning to Mathura Road.
Restrictions are also being enforced on the movement of heavy and commercial vehicles along the closed stretch of Mathura Road. Authorities anticipate severe congestion in several areas, including Sarita Vihar, New Friends Colony, Okhla and Govindpuri, particularly during peak commuting hours.
These challenges come on top of traffic bottlenecks already caused by Kanwar Yatra-related curbs over the past week. With repairs now fully underway, traffic conditions in the region are expected to remain strained for at least a fortnight.