Elevated ramps, flyovers to clear traffic chaos around station

The plan was submitted to the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC) in July.

The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has prepared a comprehensive traffic circulation and road improvement plan to cater to the footfall and vehicular traffic that is likely to increase once the redevelopment work on the New Delhi Railway Station kicks in next year.

In the ₹1000-crore traffic plan that is included in the first phase of the project, RLDA has proposed constructing 23 lane kilometres of elevated corridors (approx 11km) and widening arterial roads around the station complex. (Arvind Yadav / Hindustan Times)

The plan was submitted to the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC) in July.

Vice-chairman of RLDA, Ved Parkash Dudeja said, “We have prepared a detailed plan to cater to the increase in traffic and footfall and ensure smooth traffic movement in and around the station complex. This will also help in reducing congestion in Connaught Place.”

In the ₹1000-crore traffic plan that is included in the first phase of the project, RLDA has proposed constructing 23 lane kilometres of elevated corridors (approx 11km) and widening arterial roads around the station complex.

Lane kilometre is a method employed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) that involves measuring the length of each new lane that is built instead of counting the overall length of the highway. For instance, one km of a four lane highway is counted as four kilometres under the method.

Currently, 450,000 passengers visit the station daily (160-170 million annually). RLDA officials said the projected increase in peak hour passenger volume (number of passengers at the station per hour) is likely to range from 45,000 to 55,000 in the next two decades.

The built-up area is going to increase from approximately 1.1million sq.ft to over 5.5 million sq ft during the first phase of the development. Currently, the entry points at both Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj are congested and the redevelopment work is going to further increase vehicular traffic and footfall in the area.

As per the plan, widening of Panchkuian road, Basant Road, Chelmsford Road, Bhavbhuti Road and Minto Road have been proposed. There will be separate entry and exit routes to the station.

To provide connectivity to the station’s entry, flyovers have been proposed on Basant Road (which can be accessed from Panchkuian road) and Chelmsford Road.

“We plan to construct elevated sections on Basant Road and Chelmsford Road up till the concourse of the station. These roads are underutilised right now. Basant Road is very narrow. An elevated corridor will increase the capacity of the road,” said Dudeja. There is also a flyover proposed at DDU marg for entry to the station.

For vehicles leaving the station, ramps will be provided on Asaf Ali Road, Bhavbhuti Road and Chelmsford Road (a little ahead of the entry point).

The State Entry Road is proposed to be developed as a pedestrian street connecting the station complex to Connaught Place. “It is proposed to be developed as a high street and will be completely pedestrian-friendly,” said an RLDA official.

Dudeja said the traffic plan incorporates measures to facilitate pedestrian movement and non-motorised transport.

A senior UTTIPEC official said, “RLDA has submitted the plan. We have asked them to provide some more information.”

Sabyasachi Das, former in-charge of UTTIPEC, said, “There is a need for a comprehensive plan to decongest the area around the station. Earlier, when RLDA planned the redevelopment, it was focused on just development of their land. It is good that they have planned improvement of roads around the station. But construction of 40-storey towers and other developments will increase traffic, even if it is a transit-oriented development. There is a need to have a comprehensive plan for an influence area of 5-6 kms.”