Commuting from Delhi to Noida? Kalindi Kunj bridge to shut at night for 45 days

Starting September 22, Delhi to Noida carriageway of the Kalindi Kunj bridge will be closed for traffic from 10pm to 6 am. More than 20,000 vehicles enter Noida from Kalindi Kunj bridge at night. It is also a major link between Noida and Faridabad

Vehicular movement on the Kalindi Kunj bridge for commuters travelling from Delhi to Noida will remain suspended at night from Friday (September 22) as it will be repaired from 10pm to 6am for 45 days. Movement from Noida to Delhi will, however, not be affected.

Movement from Noida to Delhi will not be affected as only one side of the Kalindi Kunj-Noida bridge will be closed.(HT Photo)

Officials said workers will replace 18 gates under the bridge, built over the Yamuna river, that control the flow of water. The water gates had developed cracks and rust and are being changed after three decades, said sources.

The execution of the work will be conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department.

The bridge has 27 gates, of which nine gates were replaced a year ago by the department.

Vijay Singh, DCP Traffic (South Delhi), said, “For the repair work, a meeting was held with the senior officials of UP irrigation department on Monday. They have been assured that no vehicles will be allowed on the route from Delhi towards Noida. Our men will remain on duty to ensure there is no traffic congestion.”

The department has also written to Noida traffic police regarding the repair work.

Due to the closure of the route at night, heavy vehicles that ply during that time from industrial units in Okhla industrial area will have to take a detour. The bridge is also used by vehicles coming from Faridabad.

Anil Pandey, traffic inspector, Noida, said, “On an average more than 20,000 vehicles in night enter Noida from Kalindi Kunj bridge. With the repair work in planning, all these vehicles mostly trucks will now enter Noida from Delhi-Noida-Direct flyway and police will remain present on the route to ensure jam does not take place.”

Sources said that the irrigation department wanted day and night closure, so that the repair work is finished at the earliest. However, traffic police from Noida and Delhi turned down the proposal, citing it would be a big challenge for them to control the traffic.

The bridge is an important surface link, which is used by over three lakh vehicles to commute from Delhi to Noida in a day, Pandey added.

The Kalindi Kunj-Noida stretch is a major road link connecting Faridabad and South Delhi with Noida.