Delhi government plans to conduct structural audit of 44 old flyovers across the city in a move aimed at improving commuter safety, PWD minister Parvesh Verma said on Tuesday.
The Public Works Department which manages around 100 flyovers in the city has decided to hire a consultant to carry out the survey of the flyovers older than 15 years and submit a report to the government.
“Public safety cannot wait for a crisis. Many of our flyovers have been serving citizens for more than 15 years and carry lakhs of commuters every day. By initiating a comprehensive structural audit of such flyovers, we are taking a proactive and scientific approach to assess their condition,” Verma said.
Oldest flyovers will be repaired first, especially those that were constructed before 2000, as they require immediate attention, he added.
The flyover repair work would includes recarpetting, patchwork, pothole repair, and restoration of roads cut by other agencies. The road repair work is carried out by the PWD from mid-March to mid-June and then it gradually stops because of monsoon season.
“This exercise is not merely an inspection. It is an investment in the safety, confidence, and convenience of Delhi’s citizens. Our government is committed not only to creating new infrastructure but also to ensuring that existing public assets remain strong, secure, and capable of serving future generations,” Verma added.
Some of the flyovers that are likely to be taken up for repairs under the project, including Shadipur, Naraina, Mangolpuri, Lajpat Nagar, Sarai Kale Khan flyovers which are part of the list of flyovers which have been identified for repairs.
“The consultancy service includes carrying out topographical survey, geo-technical investigation and preparation of a detailed project report for further approval and issuing of tenders,” an official said.
In Delhi, PWD maintains 1,400 km of road length, which are 60 feet wide. In April last year, PWD minister Verma had announced that the Delhi government plans to repair 600 km of roads by 2026.
