In a bold infrastructure move, the Delhi government is planning to construct an elevated road over the existing 55-km Ring Road, one of the capital’s most congested arterial corridors. Delhi’s PWD Minister Parvesh Verma confirmed that a feasibility report has been sought, and discussions with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have already yielded an informal go-ahead.
Elevated Road to Be Built on Pillars
According to the proposal, the elevated road will be built on pillars along the central verge, allowing for smooth construction without land acquisition. This will ensure the project progresses within a tight timeline. Ramps will connect the elevated road to other arterial routes, facilitating smoother dispersal of traffic across the city.
Cost, Scope, and Strategic Importance
The construction cost is pegged at around Rs 100 crore per km, bringing the total estimated cost to Rs 5,500–6,000 crore. If implemented, this will be one of Delhi’s most ambitious public infrastructure projects and a core component of the city’s urban mobility upgrade. The government intends to complete it within its current term.
Why Ring Road Needs an Upgrade
Once a solution to bypass central Delhi’s congestion, Ring Road has now become a semi-central artery, overwhelmed by exponential urban growth. Designed in the 1950s for a city of 3 million, the road is now servicing a metro region of over 30 million residents. It is riddled with intersections, market zones, schools, and hospitals, all contributing to severe slowdowns and bottlenecks.
A 2024 survey by Delhi Traffic Police revealed that of the 134 congestion hotspots, at least 12 are located along the Ring Road and Outer Ring Road. While previous flyovers and underpasses helped temporarily, they often shifted congestion instead of solving it.
Expected Benefits
The proposed elevated road will offer uninterrupted cross-city travel, significantly easing pressure on ground-level traffic. It will also decongest key choke points like AIIMS, Moolchand, Dhaula Kuan, and Ashram, improving commute times and reducing air pollution.
