No Red Lights For 9 Km! Delhi’s Barapullah Corridor Promises Mayur Vihar-AIIMS Run In 15 Minutes | New-delhi-news News
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After years of delays, Delhi’s Barapullah Corridor will open on September 29, bringing a signal-free link between Mayur Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan and South Delhi
With Phase III scheduled for inauguration on September 29, the project is approaching a long-awaited operational milestone after years of delays and rising costs.
Delhi’s long-delayed Barapullah Elevated Corridor Phase III is set to open to the public on September 29, 2026, following years of construction delays and missed deadlines.
Public Works Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma inspected the project on Saturday and reviewed the completed construction work and preparations with senior officials. Parvesh Verma also announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah would inaugurate the corridor in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The approximately 3.5-kilometre elevated corridor will connect Mayur Vihar Phase I in East Delhi with Sarai Kale Khan, providing an alternative route for commuters travelling towards Central and South Delhi.
Once operational, the corridor is expected to improve connectivity for motorists travelling from East Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad, while helping ease congestion around Sarai Kale Khan, DND and Akshardham.
Key Commuter Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Barapullah Elevated Corridor Phase III |
| Expected Opening Date | September 29, 2026 |
| Inauguration | Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta |
| Corridor Length | Approximately 3.5 km |
| Route | Mayur Vihar Phase I to Sarai Kale Khan |
| Combined Signal-Free Corridor | Approximately 9 km, extending towards AIIMS |
| Key Beneficiaries | Commuters from East Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and surrounding NCR areas |
| Expected Travel Time | Mayur Vihar to AIIMS in approximately 15 minutes, according to government claims |
| Traffic Benefits | Expected to ease congestion around Sarai Kale Khan, DND and Akshardham |
| Non-Motorised Transport | 2-metre-wide cycle track and 1.5-metre-wide footpath |
| Project Cost At Approval | Approximately Rs 1,260.63 crore |
| Revised Project Cost | Approximately Rs 1,635.03 crore |
| Original Completion Target | 2017 |
| Latest Announced Opening | September 29, 2026 |
Signal-Free Route From Mayur Vihar To AIIMS
Once operational, Barapullah Phase III will connect Mayur Vihar with Sarai Kale Khan, where it will merge with the existing Barapullah corridor, extending the signal-free route towards AIIMS and South Delhi. The combined route will provide approximately 9 km of signal-free connectivity towards AIIMS and other parts of South Delhi.
According to the Delhi government, the journey from Mayur Vihar to AIIMS could be completed in around 15 minutes once the corridor becomes operational.
The new elevated route is expected to offer commuters travelling from East Delhi and the wider National Capital Region an alternative to existing roads, potentially reducing travel delays and congestion along key routes.
How The Corridor Could Help Commuters
- East Delhi To South Delhi: Provides an alternative elevated route towards Sarai Kale Khan and AIIMS.
- Noida And Ghaziabad Connectivity: Offers an additional route for commuters travelling into Delhi.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: Expected to ease pressure around Sarai Kale Khan, DND and Akshardham.
- Shorter Travel Times: The government expects improved journey times between Mayur Vihar and AIIMS.
- Lower Vehicle Idling: Reduced congestion and waiting times could contribute to lower vehicle emissions.
Nine Deadlines Missed Over Nine Years
The project, approved in 2014, began construction in 2015 but has experienced repeated delays over the years.
Originally scheduled for completion in 2017, the project encountered several obstacles, including land acquisition, environmental and forest clearances, and construction-related challenges around the Yamuna.
The Covid-19 pandemic also affected construction progress. Reportedly, the project has missed nine deadlines over nine years. An earlier completion target of June 30, 2026, was also missed.
In January, officials indicated that the project could require another 15 months for completion. However, the Delhi government subsequently revised the project cost and maintained June 30 as the completion deadline. The latest announcement places the inauguration on September 29.
Project Cost Rises By More Than Rs 370 Crore
According to a report in NDTV, the project’s approved cost has increased from approximately Rs 1,260.63 crore to Rs 1,635.03 crore, representing an increase of more than Rs 370 crore.
The cost escalation and delays have also attracted scrutiny. Earlier this year, the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch registered a case over alleged irregularities associated with the project. The allegations are currently under investigation and have not been established.
Land And Clearance Issues Delayed Construction
According to project officials, construction faced delays because of land acquisition requirements, forest-related permissions and other administrative hurdles.
Work around the Yamuna also contributed to the prolonged construction timeline.
PWD Minister Parvesh Verma said key hurdles, including Forest Department permissions and an arbitration-related matter, had been resolved. Following a site inspection, he stated that construction had been completed and the corridor was ready for its public opening after years of delays.
Ramps And Yamuna Bridge Completed
PWD officials said both ramps of the elevated corridor had been completed.
- Mayur Vihar Ramp: Connects the corridor from the Mayur Vihar side.
- Sarai Kale Khan Ramp: Links Phase III with the existing Barapullah corridor.
- Yamuna Bridge: Construction has been completed.
Cycle Track: A dedicated 2-metre-wide track is included.
Pedestrian Facilities: A 1.5-metre-wide footpath forms part of the project.
The inclusion of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure is a notable feature of the corridor, which is designed to accommodate non-motorised transport alongside motor vehicles.
More Than A Road For Cars: Cycle Track And Footpath Included
Unlike elevated road projects designed primarily for motor traffic, Barapullah Phase III includes dedicated facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.
The corridor reportedly features a 2-metre-wide cycle track and a 1.5-metre-wide footpath, providing infrastructure for non-motorised transport. These facilities are intended to support alternative modes of travel alongside the elevated road network.
What The Opening Could Mean For Delhi Traffic
The Delhi government expects the corridor to reduce congestion around major traffic points, including DND and Akshardham. The project is also expected to benefit commuters travelling between East Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and South Delhi.
Reduced vehicle congestion and shorter periods of idling could help lower emissions, although the extent of any environmental benefit will depend on actual traffic patterns after the corridor opens.
With Phase III scheduled for inauguration on September 29, the project is approaching a long-awaited operational milestone after years of delays and rising costs.
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Ask News18The Barapullah Elevated Corridor Phase III is set to open to the public on September 29, 2026. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the corridor in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
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