Infrastructure – ITPO Tunnel Project Clears Final Hurdle After Years of Delay
Infrastructure – A long-pending infrastructure project in central Delhi has finally moved forward after receiving its last required approval, ending years of uncertainty and delays.
Final Approval Removes Long-Standing Roadblock
The ITPO Tunnel, also known as Underpass 5 (UP-5) at Pragati Maidan, has secured a crucial no-objection certificate from Indian Railways, clearing the final administrative and technical barrier. Officials confirmed that this approval resolves the last major issue that had prevented the project from progressing despite repeated attempts over the years.
With all necessary clearances now in place, authorities have resumed focus on construction, aiming to complete the project by December 2026.
Project Faced Years of Engineering and Coordination Challenges
Located in one of Delhi’s busiest traffic corridors, the underpass is considered essential for easing congestion and improving connectivity in the central part of the city. However, the project remained incomplete since 2022 due to a combination of technical difficulties and coordination gaps among various agencies.
One of the key challenges involved construction beneath active railway tracks, which required careful planning and approvals. In addition, issues such as waterlogging and soil instability further slowed progress. During floods in 2023, two major concrete structures shifted, forcing engineers to revisit the design and execution strategy.
Revised Plan Helped Address Critical Structural Concerns
A turning point came in August 2025, when the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs approved a revised plan prepared by the Public Works Department. The updated proposal introduced several corrective measures to tackle earlier setbacks.
These included strengthening the foundation through advanced grouting techniques and reinforcing structures beneath railway lines to ensure long-term safety. Engineers also adopted a cast-in-situ construction approach, better suited to the site’s conditions and constraints.
Importantly, the revised plan was approved with a condition that the project would be completed within the existing budget, avoiding any additional financial burden.
Railway Clearance Was the Last Missing Piece
Despite progress on planning and technical fronts, construction could not move ahead fully without final approval from Indian Railways. Given the proximity of the underpass to operational tracks, safety concerns required detailed examination.
According to officials, sustained discussions and coordination efforts between state authorities and railway officials eventually led to a resolution. Multiple site inspections and technical evaluations helped address pending concerns.
PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma stated that the approach this time focused on resolving issues rather than shifting responsibility, which helped break the long-standing deadlock.
Design Changes Will Impact Traffic Capacity
While the project is now back on track, certain modifications have been made to ensure safety and feasibility. These changes will affect the overall capacity of the underpass.
The width has been reduced from 11.5 meters to 6.25 meters, and the height lowered from 5.5 meters to 3.9 meters. As a result, only light vehicles will be allowed to use the stretch. Additionally, the carriageway has been scaled down from three lanes to two.
Although these adjustments limit capacity, officials say the underpass will still provide significant relief to traffic movement in the area.
Expected Benefits for Commuters
Once completed, the ITPO Tunnel is expected to ease congestion around Pragati Maidan and the ITO corridor, two of the city’s busiest zones. It will also improve connectivity between east and central Delhi, particularly during large-scale events आयोजित at the ITPO complex.
Part of the underpass is already operational, and with construction expected to finish within the next several months, commuters may begin to experience gradual improvements in traffic flow.