Authorities have initiated work on a flyover and interchange facility at the Kalindi Kunj intersection in Delhi to combat persistent traffic congestion. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to engage a consultant to develop a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of these structures, aimed at improving traffic flow at the critical junction connecting Delhi, Noida, and Faridabad.
The Kalindi Kunj intersection has long been a bottleneck, with traffic merging from South Delhi, Noida, and Faridabad, causing significant congestion during peak hours. A government document indicates that a feasibility study conducted by the UP Public Works Department in 2022 recommended the construction of interchanges and a flyover to eliminate traffic conflicts. The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) carried out the study, focusing on the Kalindi Kunj metro station and the routes between Delhi, Noida, and Faridabad.
The proposed infrastructure improvements include a 500-meter-long interchange facility, with an estimated construction cost of ₹500 crore. This project aims to streamline traffic movement, offering commuters a smoother and faster passage through the busy intersection.
The need for this construction arises from the increased traffic volume following the opening of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. While the expressway provides a shorter route, it has inadvertently led to more vehicles converging at the Kalindi Kunj junction, exacerbating existing congestion issues. Many commuters now prefer this route over the Mathura Road, which is also prone to jams.
To address the immediate chaos, authorities have implemented several temporary measures, including road widening near Khadar Pulia, removal of concrete slabs, shifting of light poles for smoother turns, installation of jersey barriers, and even the construction of a new pulia. However, these fixes have provided only marginal relief, highlighting the necessity for a more permanent solution like the flyover.
In addition to the flyover, traffic police have proposed other long-term solutions, including the removal of a 300 square yard traffic island at the intersection and widening both sides of the road. Discussions have been initiated with the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department and PWD for a joint survey to facilitate these changes. Another consideration involves widening GD Birla Road near the junction by reducing the size of traffic islands and potentially constructing an arch to ensure smoother turns.
The construction of the flyover and interchange at Kalindi Kunj is expected to significantly benefit commuters traveling between Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and Faridabad. By providing a direct route for vehicles, the flyover will reduce the need to navigate the congested intersection, cutting down travel times and easing daily commutes for approximately one million people.
Furthermore, the project aims to reduce vehicular pollution in the Ashram-Badarpur-Faridabad-Ballabhgarh region by decongesting the area. This will not only improve air quality but also contribute to overall environmental sustainability.
While the project promises substantial improvements, commuters may face some disruptions during the construction phase. It is advised to stay informed about traffic advisories and plan journeys accordingly to minimize inconvenience.
