Ongoing Challenges
The 110-metre-long Bhairon Marg underpass, part of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor, has faced significant delays due to design issues and technical hurdles. Unlike the other five underpasses and a tunnel that were inaugurated in 2022, this underpass remains unfinished.
Temporary Solutions
In March, the Public Works Department (PWD) opened a 90-metre section of the underpass from Ring Road to Bhairon Marg, temporarily turning it into a two-lane road using barricades. This allows traffic movement from Ring Road to Bhairon Marg and from Bhairon Marg to Sarai Kale Khan.
Construction Challenges
The construction of this underpass has been particularly challenging. It passes beneath an active railway line, restricting work to periods when trains are not running. Additionally, the project faced a significant setback when the ‘box-pushing’ device got stuck. This method involves precasting concrete boxes and pushing them into place under live rail lines using hydraulic jacks, but the concrete blocks sank 1.5-2 metres into the ground due to damp soil and a high water table near the Yamuna River.
Proposed Solutions
The PWD initially considered the ‘cut and cover’ method, which involves cutting the railway track, removing it to construct the tunnel, levelling the surface, and re-laying the track. However, this 50-day process was not approved by the Railways. Consultations with IIT-Bombay and IIT-Delhi also failed to provide a viable solution.
Future Plans
The PWD is now exploring new methods to resume construction. One significant change will be reducing the standard height of the underpass from 5.5 metres to 4-4.5 metres due to the sunken box-pushing device. This height reduction will restrict the passage to cars and two-wheelers, excluding larger vehicles like trucks and tempos.
Further discussions and meetings are planned to finalize the new construction approach, aiming to complete the underpass and improve traffic flow in the area.
Conclusion
The Bhairon Marg underpass remains a critical part of Delhi’s infrastructure development. Despite the setbacks, the PWD is committed to finding solutions to complete the project. Residents and commuters can expect updates as new methods are explored and implemented to bring this vital underpass into operation.