Rani Jhansi Flyover in Delhi Faces Maintenance Issues

Summary:

• The 1.8-km Rani Jhansi Flyover in Delhi, which was constructed to decongest a busy stretch, is facing maintenance issues.
• The flyover has old expansion joints, poorly maintained central verge, dirty walls, and potholes on the ramps.
• Local residents claim that the serpentine design of the flyover leads to congestion during rush hours.
• The flyover took almost two decades to construct due to land acquisition issues and coordination problems among agencies.
• The vigilance department of the Delhi government has recommended the suspension of an additional district magistrate for illegal land acquisition for the flyover.

It took almost two decades for the construction of the 1.8-km Rani Jhansi Flyover in New Delhi. The elevated road was built to alleviate congestion in the area and was opened to the public in 2018. However, the flyover is now facing maintenance issues, affecting the smooth ride for commuters.

During a recent inspection by TOI, it was observed that the flyover has old expansion joints, a poorly maintained central verge, dirty walls, and several potholes on the ramps. These issues are causing a bumpy ride for vehicles. Local residents also claim that the serpentine design of the flyover leads to congestion during rush hours, defeating its purpose of decongestion.

The construction of the Rani Jhansi Flyover was delayed due to land acquisition issues in the highly congested area. The authorities had to relocate several shops along the stretch to make way for the flyover. Coordination among agencies was also a complex task as the land belonged to various owners.

In 2013, local residents, including Ashok Bhasin, president of the North Delhi Residents’ Welfare Federation, went on a hunger strike to protest the delay in completing the project. The strike was called off after the assurance from the chief minister to expedite the work. However, the work only gained momentum in the last leg of construction when additional funds were approved.

The Rani Jhansi Flyover connects major roads in the city, easing traffic in heavily congested areas such as Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, and Sadar Bazar. However, the current maintenance issues are hampering its effectiveness in decongesting the area.

Recently, the vigilance department of the Delhi government recommended the suspension of an additional district magistrate for their alleged involvement in illegal land acquisition for the flyover. The former land acquisition collector was found guilty of taking commissions, resulting in financial irregularities.

In conclusion, the Rani Jhansi Flyover in Delhi is facing maintenance issues, including old expansion joints and poor upkeep. Despite taking almost two decades to construct, the flyover is not functioning as intended due to its design and maintenance problems. Authorities need to address these issues to ensure a smoother and safer commute for the public.