Ashram snarls may end at long last as flyover reopens

CARRIAGEWAYS OF THE EXTENSION WERE OPENED FOR LIGHT VEHICLES AROUND 6.30PM ON MONDAY, UNSHACKLING THE INTERSECTION

- Paras Singh

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday inaugurated the extension of the Ashram flyover — a key stretch expected to allow travellers a signal-free ride between Noida and Lajpat Nagar, marking the end of three-and-a-half years of construction work at the Capital’s busiest intersection and freeing commuters of a traffic headache that kept them stuck in a seemingly unending spiral of blockades, diversions, and snarls.

Both carriageways of the extension were opened for light vehicles around 6.30pm on Monday, unshackling the intersection of Ring Road and Mathura Road of snaking traffic that has plagued it since January 2 this year, when the flyover was shut for the final stretch of constructions.

What that meant was a sight, even during rush hour on Monday evening, that Delhi had long since forgotten; a green strip, instead of the usual deep red, on Google Maps.

During the noon inauguration, Kejriwal underlined that the extension (which links the Ashram flyover and the Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) flyway) will help commuters on Ring Road bypass three traffic signals.

“Trips along this stretch, which took several hours and involved long-winding snarls, especially during rush hour, will get much easier now,” said Kejriwal.

However, the chief minister made it a point to apologise for the troubles that beset commuters during the lengthy construction period.

“People faced difficulties during the construction period, for which we express regret. But now, the stretch will be very beneficial for the commuters,” he said.

Trucks and buses will, for now, be disallowed from using the extension, said Delhi Police officers and public works department (PWD) officials, adding that some minor work on the stretch is still to be wrapped up.

“This 1.42km extension will also be opened for heavy vehicles once the remaining work is complete,” said Kejriwal.