The Nand Nagari flyover in Delhi is expected to open to traffic by August, despite over 60 trees still standing in the middle of its carriageway due to pending forest clearances.
The flyover, part of a ₹157.85 crore initiative to make Wazirabad Road signal-free, is 85% complete, according to officials.
Nand Nagari Flyover Set to Open by August Despite Trees Blocking Carriageway
If opened in its current condition, it will become Delhi’s third flyover where vehicles must maneuver around standing trees.
Earlier this year, Anand Vihar and Punjabi Bagh flyovers were inaugurated with full-grown trees remaining under or between lanes because forest department approvals were delayed.
The PWD is applying the same strategy for Nand Nagari, treating tree removal as a “pending work” to be managed later through a supplementary agreement.
A senior PWD official said, “Opening the traffic flow is a priority as it will offer relief from congestion along the stretch,” and added that the flyover should be operational around Independence Day.
A report from June 21 noted that the core structure is expected to be ready by July-end but flagged serious safety concerns.
Issues include sewer lines and manholes obstructing the retaining wall near Nand Nagari depot, debris on service roads, and missing drain covers—all posing accident risks.
The report recommended immediate removal of “debris, silt and malba near the ramp” and called for improved lighting to ensure nighttime safety.
Nand Nagari Flyover Construction Began in Feb 2023 with July 2024 Deadline
Construction on the project began in February 2023, with an original completion target of July 2024.
In addition to the flyover, the project also includes road upgrades, footpaths, drainage improvements, and rainwater harvesting systems.
The six-lane flyover spans 1,500 metres along National Highway-9, starting from the Nand Nagri junction and ending at the Gagan Cinema T-junction.
It serves commuters traveling between North Delhi and Uttar Pradesh and connects areas like Dilshad Garden, Gonda, Mustafabad, and Karawal Nagar.
Tree clearance delays remain a key obstacle. A total of 63 trees are listed for felling or transplantation—36 on the e-Parivesh portal and 27 under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA).
On June 4, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena invoked a special exemption under Section 29 of the DPTA to lift area restrictions and move the application forward.
Despite this, final clearance from the forest department is still pending.
Once completed, the flyover corridor is expected to cut travel time to Bhopura via Signature Bridge from 30 minutes to about 15 minutes.
The existing foot overbridge on the stretch will be demolished and replaced with a subway to facilitate pedestrian movement.
