Partial Relief for Commuters

Commuters traveling between the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and South Delhi received a measure of relief on Monday evening as the vital Old Rao Tula Ram (RTR) flyover reopened to traffic. However, the reopening comes with strict limitations, restricting access exclusively to light motor vehicles as authorities prioritize safety following the discovery of structural defects.

The 17-year-old flyover was abruptly closed on October 20 after Delhi Traffic Police personnel identified concerning cracks at two distinct locations along the carriageway. Subsequent inspections by the Public Works Department (PWD) revealed deteriorating concrete within the gap slab section, visible surface cracking, and exposed iron reinforcement rods.

Government Action and Inspection

Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma personally inspected the repaired stretch alongside senior department officials before authorizing the reopening.

"The necessary repair work has been completed, and the flyover will be reopened for light vehicles starting this evening," Mr Verma stated during the site visit.

While cars, two-wheelers, and other light vehicles are now permitted to use the crucial corridor, heavy commercial vehicles—including trucks and buses—will remain strictly banned. PWD officials confirmed that heavy vehicles will continue to be barred while a comprehensive structural audit is conducted to evaluate the long-term integrity of the infrastructure.

Easing Gridlock While Ensuring Safety

The six-day shutdown of the flyover caused severe commuter bottlenecks, throwing traffic from the airport, Gurugram, and Dwarka into disarray as vehicles were forced onto congested alternative service roads.

To prevent unauthorized heavy vehicles from bypassing the restrictions during the ongoing audit phase, traffic police have deployed additional personnel to the area. Furthermore, the PWD is actively installing physical height barriers at the approach points of the flyover.

Authorities expect the partial reopening to significantly alleviate daily gridlock on the busy corridor, even as engineers prepare to determine whether further structural reinforcements will be necessary for the aging span.