The central government announced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday that three major national highway stretches passing through Delhi will be made signal-free. This initiative aims to reduce heavy traffic congestion and significantly cut down travel time for daily commuters. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is currently preparing the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these stretches to ensure smoother movement across the capital.
Details of the three signal-free highway stretches
The project focuses on improving traffic flow at three major corridors where commuters face heavy delays. The Ashram to Badarpur stretch is set to become signal-free with the construction of three flyovers, reducing travel time from nearly 90 minutes to just 15 minutes. The Mehrauli to Gurugram route will also be upgraded to cut travel time down to 15 minutes. Additionally, the Punjabi Bagh to Tikri Border stretch will see major junctions getting flyovers, making the 90-minute commute a 30-minute drive.
Upcoming infrastructure projects and their timelines
Several other connectivity projects are reaching their final stages or starting construction to transform Delhi road network.
| Project Name | Timeline | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor | Next 8-10 days | N/A |
| DND-Faridabad (Delhi-Mumbai Expressway) | Next 6 months | N/A |
| MB Road Elevated Corridor (5 km) | Late 2027 | ₹1,471.14 crore |
| AIIMS-Gurugram Elevated Corridor (20 km) | DPR Stage | ₹5,000 crore |
Environmental impact and official statements
Minister Harsh Malhotra stated that vehicular emissions account for about 26 percent of pollution in Delhi. Making roads signal-free will help in lowering these emission levels by preventing frequent idling of engines at red lights. An interchange similar to Dhaula Kuan is also planned for the Kalindi Kunj intersection to manage traffic from six different directions. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta noted that the Centre has approved various projects worth ₹24,000 crore to strengthen Delhi infrastructure and reduce pollution in the capital region.
