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.
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. (Photo: X)
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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. (Photo: X/@DetoxTravellerr)
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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. (Photo:X/@DetoxTravellerr)
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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. (Photo: X)
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. (Photo: X)
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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. (Photo: X)
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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”. (Photo: X)
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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. (Photo: X)
