Almost nine months after receiving approval, the Public Works Department (PWD) has finally commenced repair and re-carpeting work on the 3.86-km stretch from the Akshardham flyover to the Noida border along Noida Link Road, The Indian Express reported.
The repair and maintenance of this key arterial road, connecting NCR cities with East, Central, Southeast, and North Delhi, have been delayed for some time. Serving over 200,000 vehicles daily, this stretch also offers crucial access for East Delhi residents in Mayur Vihar, office commuters, and both local and international tourists visiting the Akshardham Mandir.
However, the officials have warned that the work on the stretch could witness more delays if Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III is implemented after Diwali. Under GRAP’s stage 3, a strict ban is imposed on road construction activities and major works, among other things.
“Scraping work creates a lot of dust pollution…So if the level of air quality deteriorates in the national capital, we will have to stop the work…Also, the refinery from where bitumen comes will be shut for about 40-45 days…,” the officials said.
In case, everything goes as per plan, the work could see completion by December.
Progress report
As per the report by Indian Express, a visit to the stretch showed that scraping of the tar layer on the road below the flyover had started on both sides.
The report noted that a loop at this point offers a turn option for commuters traveling from Noida toward Mayur Vihar and those heading toward the Delhi-Meerut Expressway.
“Work has been awarded and scraping work has started. After this, layering work will begin. All potholes and cracks will be repaired and layered with bitumen,” said a PWD official.
Officials stated that once this phase is completed, the department will proceed with repairing and re-carpeting the flyover surface up to the Noida Link Road.“To avoid traffic congestion, repair work on the six-lane flyover will be done in phases,” they explained.