New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) The Old Rao Tula Ram (RTR) flyover, a key connecting route between the city and Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, reopened for light vehicles on Monday, Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh announced after personally inspecting the completed repair work in the morning.
Completed in 2009, the Old RTR flyover has served as a vital link for airport-bound traffic from South Delhi for over 17 years. The flyover’s carriageway towards IGI Airport from Vasant Vihar was closed on October 20 after the Delhi Traffic Police detected cracks in the road surface at two locations, said an official.
A subsequent inspection revealed deteriorating concrete in the gap slab section, visible cracks on the road and exposed iron reinforcement rods. Traffic on the stretch was halted immediately as a precautionary measure to protect commuters, he said.
The Minister said, “The necessary repair work has been completed, and the flyover will be reopened for light vehicles starting this evening. A comprehensive structural audit is also underway to ensure the strength and long-term safety of this flyover, which was constructed in 2009.”
The Minister visited the project site along with senior PWD officials to review the work before clearing the structure for use.
He stressed that the temporary closure was a necessary step, taken solely in the interest of public safety, and that the department acted swiftly to restore connectivity within a week.
The Old RTR flyover is one of the most heavily used corridors in South Delhi, carrying thousands of vehicles daily from Vasant Vihar and surrounding areas towards the airport and beyond.
During the closure, traffic was diverted to the adjoining service road, which led to heavy congestion and long queues at the approach to the flyover, particularly during peak hours.
The reopening is expected to bring immediate relief to daily commuters, airport travellers, taxi operators and residents of nearby colonies who faced extended travel times over the past week, according to an official statement.
In the current phase, the flyover is being opened only to light vehicles. Decisions on further use will be guided by the findings of the ongoing structural audit.
The PWD has undertaken the audit to assess the overall health of the 17-year-old structure and identify any additional strengthening or maintenance work required.
The Delhi government has reiterated that the safety of citizens remains its foremost priority. The prompt detection of cracks, the immediate closure of the carriageway, the rapid repair work and the decision to commission a detailed structural audit reflect a proactive approach to maintaining the city’s ageing infrastructure.
The PWD has urged commuters to follow traffic advisories, observe the light-vehicle restriction, and cooperate with Delhi Traffic Police personnel deployed in the area to ensure smooth movement.
The department will continue to monitor the flyover closely, and further updates will be shared following the completion of the structural audit, the statement said.
–IANS
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