Delhi's ageing flyovers: Brace for traffic headaches as massive repair drive set to choke roads

Delhi is bracing for a new wave of traffic disruptions as authorities initiate long-overdue repairs across its extensive flyover network, many of which have not seen significant maintenance since their construction in the early 2000s. The capital, which rapidly adopted flyovers as a traffic solution over the last fifty years, now finds itself at a crossroads as these same structures reach a critical point in their lifecycle.

According to an HT report, over 47 flyovers and bridges were built in the 2000s, with major investments in transport infrastructure taking place under the Sheila Dikshit-led administration. The push, especially ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, led to the construction of key flyovers such as those at Moti Nagar, Punjabi Bagh, Raja Garden, Savitri, AIIMS, Britannia Chowk and others. Today, many of those are showing signs of age and wear, necessitating urgent attention from the Public Works Department (PWD).

Officials have signalled that closures for repairs are inevitable, with closures expected to add pressure to an already strained road network. The PWD currently manages over 102 flyovers and bridges across Delhi. Several flyovers on Shahdara, Loni Road, Nangloi, Chirag Delhi, Okhla, Janak Setu and Pul Mithai have already been earmarked for repairs by the previous government. A fresh batch of 17 further flyovers, mostly from the early 2000s wave, is expected to undergo restoration soon.

One senior PWD official, quoted by HT, noted, “Some of these flyovers are now decades old and have not seen any major repair work since construction. It is a cyclical process and we have undertaken repairs of many flyovers over the last few years.”

Recent commencement of overdue repairs at Sarita Vihar flyover, constructed in 2001, is just the start. Looming ahead are plans to repair the Raja Garden and Shadipur flyovers in west Delhi, which could deeply affect traffic in the area. The Shadipur flyover, considered one of the city's oldest, dates back to 1971.

Many residents recall the transformation phase of the 2000s. Chetan Sharma from Greater Kailash-2 commented that Delhi “truly became the city of flyovers in the 2000s, when the entire city seemed to be dug up”, as cited by HT. According to Sharma, the construction brought massive relief on major corridors, though not all flyovers have been a perfect fit: “They had to double the Punjabi Bagh flyover, while south Delhi is still suffering due to the one-lane Savitri flyover. They did not take into account future growth.”

Repairs focus primarily on replacing ageing expansion joints like metal gaps that accommodate the movement of concrete, as well as elastomeric bearings, necessary for handling thermal expansion and heavy loads. Addressing structural problems like spalled concrete and honeycombing is also vital to ensure long-term durability, according to the HT report.

Previous repairs, such as those at the Chirag Delhi flyover in April 2023, led to significant gridlock and public frustration. In addition to structural fixes, PWD is also tasked with replacing noise barriers, revamping dividers and clearing encroachments at multiple sites.

To improve traffic management during repairs, Dr S Velmurugan, chief scientist at the Central Road Research Institute, stressed to HT the importance of not simultaneously closing multiple flyovers along the same corridor. He reportedly advised that comprehensive advisories and warnings via variable message signs are necessary to inform commuters in advance.

The new Delhi government has allocated more than Rs 3,800 crore in its 2025-2026 budget for roads and bridges. As these essential repairs get underway, the city faces a period reminiscent of past decades, with the prospect of long commutes and persistent jams set to return, at least for the duration of these vital works.