How this ‘Flyover Over Flyover’ aims to end Delhi

The proposed project would be the first instance of a ‘flyover over a flyover’ in Delhi, said a senior official.

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Delhiites who spend hours stuck near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) may soon get relief, as Delhi govt is preparing an ambitious plan to ease congestion in one of the city’s busiest traffic zones.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has been asked to draft a detailed project report (DPR) for a new flyover that will connect Nigambodh Ghat, near Margat Wale Baba, to Majnu ka Tilla. Officials said once finalised, the project would lead to a signal-free corridor, stretching from Rajghat to Majnu ka Tilla.

The proposed project would be the first instance of a ‘flyover over a flyover’ in Delhi, said a senior official. As per the plan, the elevated structure will be built above the existing ISBT flyover, making it a double-decker system designed to handle the massive inflow of vehicles in this corridor.

“This is a unique design for Delhi. Constructing a second flyover above the current one will significantly reduce pressure on the existing infrastructure and provide smoother movement for commuters,” added the official.

At present, traffic at ISBT is chaotic. Vehicles arrive from five different directions, creating perpetual bottlenecks at the Metcalfe Road traffic signal and near the ISBT complex. The new flyover is expected to bypass these choke points by soaring over the existing flyover, crossing the Metcalfe Road intersection, and descending near Majnu ka Tilla. “The corridor will not only save time, but also enhance safety and streamline bus operations at ISBT,” said the official.The project, which is estimated to cost about ₹500 crore, could take nearly two years to complete once construction begins. While the plan is still in the early stages, with DPR preparation underway, the move brings hope to commuters and long-distance travellers who use ISBT as a transit hub.

Officials said the advantages for commuters would be substantial. Thousands of private vehicles, buses and commercial traffic ply every day on the Rajghat-Majnu ka Tilla corridor. A stretch free of signals could reduce travel time during peak hours, ease stress on drivers, and improve reliability for interstate buses, said another official.

Another official said traffic congestion around ISBT not only causes delays, but also contributes significantly to air pollution in the area. Thousands of vehicles idling at traffic signals and crawling through bottlenecks release high levels of particulate matter into the atmosphere, he said, adding the new flyover would also help ease pollution.