South Delhi traffic relief: Govt approves 4-km elevated corridor in Chhatarpur
To tackle chronic traffic congestion in south Delhi, Delhi govt has approved construction of a 4km elevated corridor along Sant Shri Nagpal (SSN) Marg in Chhatarpur, Public Works Department minister Parvesh Verma said Tuesday.
The corridor will run from intersection of Anuvrat Marg (NH-148A) and SSN Marg near Qutub Metro Station to near Tivoli Farms alongside Fatehpur Beri. The project aims to segregate the through traffic from local movements, thereby reducing congestion and improving travel efficiency. As per project documents, the corridor currently handles traffic from Mehrauli, Chhatarpur, Fatehpur Beri and adjoining residential areas.
The route also serves as a key link for commuters travelling between south Delhi and rapidly developing settlements such as Satbari, Jonapur, Dera Mandi and Asola.
Officials estimate that nearly 82,819 passenger car units (PCUs) use the corridor daily, of which around 74,370 PCUs are expected to shift to the elevated structure. The project is designed to facilitate nearly 90% signal-free movement, significantly improving traffic flow.
Verma said commuters currently take an average of 18.9 minutes to traverse the stretch, with average vehicle speeds of 12.7kmph during peak hours. Once the corridor becomes operational, travel time is expected to reduce to 6.6 minutes while average speeds could increase to 36.4kmph, he said.
The project is also expected to improve connectivity with public transport infrastructure in the area. The corridor passes close to Qutub Minar Metro Station, which acts as a major transit hub for residents of south Delhi, said Verma. Authorities believe smoother road access and reduced congestion will strengthen integration between road and metro transport systems.
Officials said the tender would be done soon and the project would be completed in one-and-half years.
Project documents state that the elevated corridor will enhance the capacity of the existing road network, improve intersection performance at key junctions and accommodate growing traffic demand in the Chhatarpur region, which has witnessed rapid urbanisation over the past decade.
The project report touts reduction in fuel consumption resulting from smoother traffic movement as a key benefit because of increased average vehicle speeds and less time spent idling at intersections. Officials estimate annual fuel savings of around Rs 38 crore.
Officials said the project is estimated to cost Rs 700 crore. The proposed corridor is expected to improve connectivity to local areas such as Lado Sarai and Saket, including upscale colonies like Mehrauli, Chattarpur farms, Dhan Mill, Sainik Farms and settlements located along the Delhi Southern Ridge belt.
