City government's ₹24,000 crore initiative for managing traffic congestion includes building tunnels, flyovers, fresh roadways, and more, receives approval
Delhi's Traffic Easing Projects Show Mixed Progress
As the city of Delhi continues its push to ease traffic congestion by 2027, several significant infrastructure development projects are underway, albeit with delays due to regulatory, environmental, and administrative challenges.
Key Updates on Specific Projects
One of the most notable projects is the redevelopment of the Outer Ring Road, particularly the stretch between Savitri Cinema and AIIMS. The Delhi government has approved a redevelopment plan, with central funding being sought for its implementation. However, the project is currently in its early stages, with completion expected over the coming years [4].
Another crucial project is the Barapullah Elevated Road Phase III, which has been plagued by delays due to corruption probes and administrative hurdles. As of 2025, the project is about 87% complete, with the government aiming to complete it within the near term [2].
Major road projects, including flyovers and stretches such as Outer Ring Road near Chirag Dilli and IIT flyovers, are underway but substantially delayed. For instance, some road upgrades began months late due to pollution control restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and have only about 3% work completed as of July 2025, shifting original completion dates from early 2025 to late 2025 or beyond [1].
A stalled project to improve connectivity between Delhi airport terminals is being revived. Plans include constructing a Y-shaped flyover connecting Terminal 1 to major arterial roads and widening the existing six-lane tunnel under the runway to a 12-lane tunnel. As of July 2025, a feasibility study and detailed project report are being commissioned, signaling project initiation but no physical construction yet [3].
Another approved project is a five-kilometre-long tunnel from Shiv Murti to Vasant Kunj, connecting NH48 (NH48) to Mahipalpur and Vasant Kunj. This new corridor will greatly benefit people commuting between South Extension, Dhaula Kuan, and IGI Airport, reducing traffic congestion at certain points with heavy vehicular activity [5].
A new elevated corridor has been approved between AIIMS and the Mahipalpur bypass for quick access to the airport. The government also plans to build a 12.3-kilometre extension of the Pink Line Metro from Majlis Park to Maujpur [6].
The construction of new roads connecting Rohini, Narela, and Bawana has been approved to improve connectivity in the rapidly expanding residential and industrial areas of outer Delhi. This extension will complete the circular Pink Line and create a metro ring road in Delhi [7].
Challenges and Solutions
Despite these ongoing and planned projects, the city faces tight deadlines and must overcome regulatory, environmental, and administrative hurdles to deliver substantial traffic relief by 2027. Pollution-related construction halts under GRAP regulations, bureaucratic delays, weather-related issues, and administrative probes are some of the challenges these projects face [8].
To address these challenges, the government is actively pushing to resume and accelerate work on these projects. However, given the scale of delays and some projects still in planning or early execution phases, complete resolution of traffic congestion via these infrastructure projects may extend beyond 2027 [8].
Looking Ahead
While Delhi has multiple ongoing and planned infrastructure projects—including tunnels, flyovers, metro extensions, and road redevelopments aimed at easing traffic congestion—the timelines currently show significant slippage. Many projects are only partially complete or just commencing detailed preparation as of mid-2025 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].
The city must navigate these challenges to deliver the promised traffic relief and improve the quality of life for its citizens. As the projects progress, updates and adjustments will be crucial to ensuring that Delhi meets its traffic congestion goals by 2027.
Industry InsightsDespite various infrastructure projects underway in Delhi's transportation sector, the financial implications for the completion of these projects remain uncertain due to delays and challenges faced.
Financial ImplicationsWith multiple projects being delayed or just commencing, the original completion dates for these projects may extend beyond the intended deadline of 2027, potentially leading to increased costs due to additional construction phases and extended financing periods.
