U-Turn, Extra Lane, Google Maps: Delhi's Plan To Fix Barapullah Traffic Chaos

Within weeks of opening, Barapullah Phase III traffic congestion has prompted the Delhi government to implement rapid fixes, such as a new U-turn, road widening, and discussions with Google Maps to accurately depict traffic conditions. Announcing these short-term measures, PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh stated, "The government is currently working on immediate traffic-management measures while discussions on the longer-term solution continue."

The problem stems from the new flyover's junction where three traffic streams converge at Sarai Kale Khan. Vehicles from Mayur Vihar on the new corridor, vehicles joining from the Sundial loop, and those approaching from the DND side all meet here before entering the narrower existing Barapullah flyover. The original construction timeline of 2017 was delayed, causing a rise in vehicle numbers in East Delhi and the NCR, altering vehicular movement between the regions.

The six-lane Barapullah Phase III merges into a three-lane carriageway, which then narrows further into a two-lane Phase 2 flyover, leading to intense competition for space. To address this, a dedicated U-turn near Gurdwara Bala Sahib will be created for residents of Siddharth Extension, talks with Google Maps will provide real-time traffic updates, and the Traffic Police have initiated the removal of a footpath from Sarai Kale Khan to ITO.

Despite the congestion, many residents are excited about the new flyover, but minister Parvesh Sahib Singh blames the Aam Aadmi Party for design flaws in the project, which was approved during their tenure in 2014-2015.