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Potholes, visible gaps of 2-3 inches in joint expansions, and central verge in dire need of repair — for nearly two years, commuters say they have been bearing the brunt of poor maintenance on a 3.86 km-section from the Akshardham flyover to the Delhi-Noida border. Residents, office goers, and local and foreign tourists visiting the Akshardham Temple are among those who frequent the stretch.
Even as Delhi minister Atishi had assured a smoother ride in February, the long-due repair work is yet to start. Officials say, “It also depends on monsoon…if the rain stops, then the work may start by the end of August.. otherwise it will be delayed till September.”
During a spot check by The Indian Express, it was found that the stretch from Akshardham metro station towards Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, which is currently under the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), has been repaired and work is ongoing at the sidewalk near the metro station. However, it is a bumpy ride from the mouth of the Akshardham flyover on the 3.86 km-long section under the PWD (Public Works Department), which stretches till the Delhi-Noida border.
A portion of 100-150 metres of stretch, which also provides connectivity to the Mayur Vihar Phase -1, and Mayur Vihar Extension, is in a dilapidated state. Earlier, the road towards the Delhi-Dehradun-Saharanpur Expressway was also in poor condition but it got a facelift during the G-20 Summit last year amid visits of foreign delegates.
In February earlier this year, PWD Minister Atishi announced that the Arvind Kejriwal government has approved projects for the strengthening of various roads from Noida to Akshardham. “These roads were constructed and upgraded long ago, and are used by many office commuters during peak hours, leading to a gradual deterioration… The PWD has conducted a thorough assessment of the roads with the assistance of experts and has been instructed to initiate the upgrading process,” the Minister had said. However, it has been over four months and the PWD has yet to take up the “rehabilitation and strengthening” work on the ground.
“The project sanction was approved in February, but we couldn’t start due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in March (due to Lok Sabha elections). Now that the MCC is lifted, the tendering process for the stretch’s redevelopment is ongoing…the project is on track and work will start work soon,” said the Delhi government in response.
A senior PWD official further said, “The process of tender distribution is ongoing…The project is also slightly delayed due to the arrival of the monsoon season…We are expecting to start the work by August but it also depends on the rain. Otherwise, it will delay further for a bit.”
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