The Sarita Vihar Flyover, a crucial link between Delhi and Faridabad, is set to undergo essential repair work, but the timeline for the commencement of these repairs has been pushed back. Here’s a detailed overview of the situation:

1. Advisory Process Before Repairs

– The Public Works Department (PWD) must issue a new advisory before starting repair work.
– This advisory is subject to approval from the traffic police, after which it will be sent to the Delhi Information and Publicity Department for publication.
– Unlike previous advisories issued by the traffic police, this one will specifically aim to inform the public about avoiding the flyover during repairs.

2. Previous Advisory Issued in July

– An advisory was previously released in July, but repair work could not commence due to the Kanwar Yatra.
– The PWD plans to disseminate the advisory through various channels, including Hindi and English newspapers and radio broadcasts.

3. High Traffic Volume Concerns

– The flyover experiences heavy vehicular traffic, with lakhs of vehicles using this route daily.
– The repair work, when initiated, may lead to significant congestion and inconvenience for drivers, especially during peak hours.

4. History of Postponements

– Initial plans for repairs were scheduled to begin on May 1 but were delayed due to the Lok Sabha elections.
– Although PWD received permission to start work on June 15, the traffic police halted it due to the absence of the required advisory.

5. Phased Repair Approach

– The repair work will be conducted in four phases, each lasting 15 days, during which only half of the flyover will be closed to traffic.
– This phased approach is designed to minimize disruption by ensuring that the entire flyover is not closed at once.

6. Long-Standing Approval and Delays

– The repair project was initially approved by former PWD Minister Manish Sisodia in April 2022, but has faced delays for over two years.
– The flyover, constructed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in 2001, requires vital maintenance, including the replacement of expansion joints.

7. Future Steps

– Following the advisory’s publication, the PWD will proceed with the necessary preparations to start the repair work.
– Continued communication with the public will be crucial to manage expectations and mitigate traffic issues during the repair period.