Palam Vihar Road has been completely closed due to sewer line work that began two days ago. Barricades have been set up at Sector 5 Chowk and Krishna Chowk to restrict traffic.
Light vehicles and small cars are allowed to pass through side lanes. This road will remain closed for the next fifteen days.
Heavy traffic was observed on Monday, the first working day since the closure. Drivers coming from Krishna Chowk and Sector 5 had to return due to the road closure.
The municipal corporation and traffic police closed the road on Friday, and work started on Saturday. The untreated water from Ashok Vihar flows into the stormwater drain, contaminating the Najafgarh Drain and eventually the Yamuna River in Delhi.
Following the NGT’s orders, a 100-meter section will have a new sewer line connected to the GMDA’s master sewer line. Barricades were temporarily removed on Sunday due to the UPSC exam but reinstated on Monday morning.
Impact on Commuters
Over 30,000 vehicles pass through this road daily, causing significant disruption. Local residents, such as Bhim Singh Yadav and Advocate Anju Rawat, reported difficulties in commuting due to the road closure.
ACP Traffic Surender Kaur mentioned that signboards have been placed at various points for public convenience, although many drivers are still unaware of the closure.
Alternative Routes
For those coming from Sheetla Mata Road, Sector 5, or Old Railway Road, it is advised to avoid Sector 5 Chowk. Instead, take the Daulatabad Flyover from Railway Road and proceed towards Dwarka Expressway, then head towards Palam Vihar from Bajghera.
Similarly, commuters from Palam Vihar to Sheetla Mata Road should take the Old Delhi Road route via Atul Kataria Chowk.
Traffic Police Preparations
Despite the road closure, the traffic police’s preparations seem incomplete, with inadequate signage and lack of public awareness about the closure. It is recommended to install signboards at key locations like Sector 5, near Sheetla Mata Temple, Krishna Chowk, Palam Vihar, Rezangla Chowk, and to use social media for updates.
Official Statements
- Nishupal Gulia, Junior Engineer, Municipal Corporation: “The work to connect the untreated water from Ashok Vihar to the GMDA’s master sewer line has begun as per NGT orders. The road closure permission was obtained for this purpose, and the work will be completed within a week.”
- Surender Kaur, ACP Traffic West: “The road is closed due to the municipal corporation’s sewer line work. If necessary, the road can be reopened.”
Affected Areas
The closure will impact residents of several areas including Ashok Vihar Phase 1, 2, 3, Sector 21, 22, 23, Palam Vihar, and Bajghera. These residents will need to use alternative routes through internal sectors and colonies.
Key Takeaways
- Palam Vihar Road closed for 15 days for sewer line work.
- Heavy traffic and inconvenience for commuters.
- Alternative routes suggested for smooth travel.
- Inadequate traffic police preparations and signage.
- Work initiated following NGT orders to connect untreated water to the master sewer line.
- Affected areas include Ashok Vihar, various sectors, Palam Vihar, and Bajghera.
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