admin
Last Updated:
Delhi traffic: Despite flyovers and tunnels, Mathura Road, a key link between Noida, Faridabad, and South Delhi, remains choked. Mondays and Fridays are the worst
The NHAI plans to take control of this section and convert it into a signal-free corridor. (News18)
Despite ongoing construction of flyovers and tunnels across Delhi to ease traffic congestion, one particular route remains persistently gridlocked. For over a decade, Mathura Road in South-East Delhi has witnessed severe traffic jams, especially during peak morning and evening hours. Serving as a crucial link between Noida, Faridabad, Badarpur, and South Delhi, Mathura Road is heavily used on Mondays and Fridays.
This 8-kilometre stretch between Ashram and Badarpur sees approximately 500,000 vehicles daily. A journey that should ideally take just 15 minutes often stretches beyond 45 minutes. Despite repeated public complaints, the situation has seen little to no improvement.
National Highway And Heavy Goods Vehicle Traffic
Mathura Road forms part of National Highway NH2 and permits heavy goods vehicles after 9pm, which complicates passage for other motorists. Moreover, certain unusual road layouts contribute significantly to the congestion. Drivers struggle to navigate the two carriageways, turning what should be a 15-minute journey into one exceeding 45 minutes.
Issues With U-Turns
U-turns present another challenge along this stretch. Traffic police have closed some road cuts and introduced U-turns as a result. For example, a cut at Madanpur Khadar was closed, forcing motorists to undertake lengthy U-turns beneath the Badarpur and Sarita Vihar flyovers. While this closure has marginally eased congestion, it has also increased inconvenience for many drivers.
Delays Caused By Traffic Lights
Five traffic signals along the 8-kilometre route cause considerable delays. These are situated between Ashram and Apollo Hospital, near Mata Mandir Marg, Okhla (New Friends Colony), CRRI, Apollo Hospital, and Madanpur Khadar.
Congestion often begins at Ashram, where an underpass intended to facilitate smoother travel towards Badarpur remains underused. Instead, most vehicles squeeze through a narrow lane to turn right towards Lajpat Nagar or Sarai Kale Khan.
Possible NHAI Intervention
There is hope for motorists, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) may step in to address the problem. The NHAI plans to take control of this section and convert it into a signal-free corridor.
Previously, in 2017, the Public Works Department (PWD) had proposed constructing a flyover and underpass to improve the route, but the scheme did not advance.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
