TrafficUpdate – Bhairon Marg Underpass Work Gains Speed After Long Delay
TrafficUpdate – Construction work on the long-delayed Bhairon Marg underpass in Delhi has resumed steadily, with authorities now targeting completion by February 2027. The project, which remained stalled for almost three years after a technical setback, is expected to improve connectivity and reduce traffic pressure across several busy routes in the national capital.
Project Work Back on Track
Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Singh Verma on Wednesday said the construction activities at the Bhairon Marg underpass are progressing smoothly after a prolonged interruption. According to the minister, the pace of work has improved considerably and officials are hopeful of meeting the revised deadline early next year.
The underpass, commonly referred to as Underpass Number 5, forms a key section of the Pragati Maidan underground transit corridor project. Once operational, it is expected to provide smoother travel movement for commuters using Ring Road and nearby areas.
Flooding Incident Had Halted Construction
The project faced a major setback in 2023 after a large precast concrete structure being installed beneath an operational railway track encountered serious difficulties during construction. Officials said the structure sank while being pushed below the railway line using the box-pushing technique after flooding from the nearby Yamuna river affected the site.
Following the incident, technical experts reviewed the construction design and recommended several modifications to improve safety and execution. Authorities later revised the structure plan, including lowering the height on one side of the tunnel to avoid similar risks during the remaining work.
Heavy Traffic Continues Around Key Routes
With the underpass still unfinished, commuters continue to face long traffic delays around Bhairon Marg, Ring Road and the Sarai Kale Khan area. Traffic diversions, barricades and restricted vehicle movement have added to congestion during peak hours.
Officials managing the project stated that one section of the underpass has already been opened for limited traffic movement between Bhairon Marg and Ring Road in an effort to reduce inconvenience for motorists. However, complete relief is expected only after the entire corridor becomes fully operational.
Railway Clearance Received for Remaining Work
Authorities involved in the project confirmed that an in-principle no-objection certificate has been secured from the Railways for carrying out the remaining work beneath the active railway line. Officials indicated that some train services may need temporary diversion for a short period to allow engineers to complete the pending tunnel section safely and efficiently.
Once finished, the underpass is likely to significantly improve traffic flow for commuters travelling through important stretches including ITO, Sarai Kale Khan and adjoining sections of Ring Road. The corridor is also expected to reduce travel time for thousands of daily passengers moving between central and eastern parts of Delhi.
Commuters Await Long-Term Relief
Residents and regular commuters using the affected routes have been waiting for the project to resume at full pace after years of uncertainty. Transport experts believe that timely completion of the underpass could play an important role in easing congestion on one of Delhi’s busiest road networks.
The Bhairon Marg underpass remains one of the key infrastructure projects aimed at improving urban mobility in the capital, especially in areas witnessing heavy daily traffic movement linked to commercial, residential and transit hubs.