In a major relief for lakhs of daily commuters, the Delhi government has approved the long-pending redevelopment and capacity expansion project of the Outer Ring Road stretch from Modi Mill Flyover to IIT Gate (Savitri Cinema). The project is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion on one of South Delhi’s busiest corridors and make travel to and from IGI Airport, Gurugram, Noida, and South Delhi smoother and faster.
The project recently received final financial clearance from the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, ending years of delay after receiving in-principle approval back in 2017 from UTTIPEC.
Why This Stretch Matters
The 7.2-kilometre corridor passes through some of South Delhi’s most densely populated and high-traffic areas, including Greater Kailash, Malviya Nagar, CR Park, Chirag Delhi, Panchsheel Enclave, Kalkaji, and East of Kailash. Officials estimate that over two lakh vehicles use this stretch daily, leading to frequent bottlenecks during both peak and non-peak hours.
Due to heavy residential development on both sides, widening the road was not feasible, making an integrated redevelopment plan the only practical solution.
What the Redevelopment Plan Includes
Under the approved plan:
◆The Modi Mill Flyover will be extended up to the Kalkaji Temple Flyover
◆A new half flyover will be constructed at Kalkaji Mandir Chowk
◆Another half flyover will be built at Savitri Cinema Junction
These interventions aim to remove bottlenecks created by uneven traffic flow in opposite directions and ensure smoother movement without major land acquisition.
The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 371.75 crore.
How Half Flyovers Will Reduce Traffic Jams
Currently, flyovers at Kalkaji and Savitri Cinema provide relief only in one direction, causing traffic to pile up in the opposite flow. The proposed half flyovers will balance traffic movement on both sides, reducing signal dependency and preventing recurring congestion points.
Government documents highlight that the project focuses on uninterrupted traffic flow, reduced travel time, lower fuel consumption, and improved road safety.
Big Boost to Airport and Intercity Connectivity
Once completed, the project will improve connectivity between Noida–Faridabad–Badarpur–Gurugram and IGI Airport, benefiting office-goers, airport passengers, and commercial traffic. Officials noted that when this road was originally developed, traffic volumes were far lower, making a comprehensive upgrade now essential.
A Step Toward Smarter Urban Mobility
PWD officials believe that timely execution of the project could transform this stretch into one of Delhi’s smoother traffic corridors. If completed as planned, it will reduce congestion pressure on surrounding arterial roads and significantly improve daily commuting experience in South Delhi.
