The completion of the Barapullah Phase-3 project, which aims to enhance connectivity between East and South Delhi, has been pushed to 2027. Government officials stated that the project, which connects Sarai Kale Khan to Mayur Vihar, has faced delays and cost escalations due to factors beyond their control.
Originally slated for completion in 2017, the project has been under construction since 2015 and has faced several missed deadlines. The initial estimated cost of Rs 1,260.63 crore has now increased to Rs 1,653.03 crore. The Public Works Department (PWD) has informed the Delhi government that the delays and increased costs were due to "uncontrollable" factors such as land acquisition and the shifting of high-tension (HT) lines. These delays led to an arbitration award in favor of the contractor, resulting in significant additional payouts.
According to officials, 95% of the work has been completed, and an additional 15 months are required to finish the final portion. In its latest Expenditure and Finance Committee (EFC) meeting, the government was informed about the Rs 374.40 crore increase in the project's construction cost.
The Delhi government has taken measures to prevent further delays, including forming a project monitoring committee and addressing previous financial oversights to adhere to the revised timeline and budget. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered an inquiry into alleged "irregularities" in the project's construction in July of last year, seeking legal advice on arbitration awards and other project details. The government has also directed the PWD to prepare a fresh proposal for cabinet approval to accommodate the cost overruns.
The 3.5-km elevated corridor is expected to ease traffic congestion at key choke points, including Nizamuddin Bridge, Bhairon Marg, Ashram Chowk, and Ring Road. Once complete, the corridor will provide signal-free connectivity between East and South Delhi, reducing travel time for commuters. The corridor is designed with an elevated pier-supported structure and an extra-dosed bridge to minimize the number of piers within the Yamuna's active flow zone. It will have three lanes in each direction, cycle tracks, and eight loops at Sarai Kale Khan and Mayur Vihar.
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has granted the necessary clearances for tree management, allowing the project to proceed after nearly a decade of delays. A joint survey by the PWD and the forest department recorded the geo-location, girth, and genus of the affected trees. The project involves felling 85 trees, transplanting 87, and pruning 161 across divisions.
The Barapullah project was conceived to reduce travel time between East and South Delhi. The project aims to offer signal-free connectivity between East and South Delhi, easing traffic for an estimated 1.5 lakh vehicles daily.
