New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a significant push to unclog Delhi’s overstretched arterial roads, the Delhi government has cleared the first priority corridor for the proposed Elevated Ring Road project, marking a major step towards improving urban mobility in the national capital.
Officials said the ambitious project aims to address chronic traffic congestion along the Ring Road and Outer Ring Road, which carry the heaviest vehicular load during peak hours. The project will be implemented in phases, with Phase 1A — a nearly 5-km stretch — identified as the top priority based on traffic density and feasibility.


According to government sources, the elevated corridor is designed to revive the original vision of the Ring Road as a smooth, high-speed arterial route. Over the years, rapid urbanisation, a sharp say in vehicle numbers and limited public transport alternatives have turned the corridor into one of Delhi’s most congested stretches, contributing significantly to air and noise pollution.


The key priorities of the project include decongesting traffic bottlenecks, adding road capacity without large-scale land acquisition, seamless integration with existing Metro corridors, and strict compliance with ASI norms near protected monuments.


Officials said the elevated road will run parallel to the Yamuna and will be constructed on pillars along the central verge, minimising disruption to existing roads and reducing the need for additional land. Particular attention will be paid to congestion hotspots, especially near Kashmere Gate, where traffic could be diverted to elevated levels for smoother flow.


The corridor will also intersect with the Red Line Metro near Kashmere Gate, making integration with existing transport infrastructure a crucial focus area. Additionally, environmental and Master Plan norms will be strictly followed as parts of the alignment fall within the O-Zone.


The overall project envisages an elevated corridor of around 57.5 km, connecting key locations such as Majnu Ka Tila, Salimgarh Fort, DND Flyover, Moti Bagh and Azadpur. Of this, Phase 1A has been prioritised for early execution.
A preliminary project report has already been prepared, and the detailed project report (DPR) is expected to be finalised within the next two months. Officials said the tendering process will begin soon thereafter.


Senior officials described the project as one of the biggest infrastructure initiatives of the BJP-led Delhi government, asserting that adding elevated capacity, reducing pressure on surface roads, and improving overall traffic flow would significantly enhance commuting experience across the city.


Urban planners believe that if executed as planned, the Elevated Ring Road could emerge as a game-changer for Delhi, restoring speed, efficiency and sustainability to one of the city’s most critical transport corridors.