Delhi's underpass construction faces prolonged delay due to July floods

Delhi's underpass construction project along Bhairon Marg has encountered significant setbacks, primarily due to the unprecedented July floods in the city. These floods resulted in the accumulation of silt and the displacement of heavy structures within the underpass, leading officials to announce a substantial delay in its completion.Initially designated as underpass No 5 and part of the Pragati Maidan integrated transit corridor, this infrastructure was originally scheduled to open in December 2022. However, the complex nature of the project, notably its passage through an area with an active railway overbridge, caused delays. A revised deadline was set to precede the G20 Summit scheduled for this month.Unfortunately, progress came to a halt in July when the Yamuna River reached a record level of 208.33 meters, resulting in extensive flooding across the city. The root of the problem lies in the construction technique employed for the underpass, known as the box-push technique. This method involves pushing open-ended fabricated boxes through embankments of rail or road using a jacking system to create the tunnel's solid form.A senior Public Works Department (PWD) official familiar with the situation stated, Completing this stretch was already a difficult task with active railway lines overhead. Following the July floods, there was a lot of sediment in the area that is making it difficult to push the boxes. We need to remove the silt and treat the soil before we start pushing again. Besides, the boxes have shifted from their positions as these are not stitched to each other yet. These factors have caused serious delays.PWD has taken the initiative to contact Indian Railways, seeking assistance in removing the deposits and realigning the boxes. Officials have emphasised that work can only recommence once the monsoon season concludes and the area becomes completely dry. Another PWD official commented, We have written to Indian Railways asking if they have any technology that we can use to clear the uneven settlements and start pushing the boxes. No work can be done for now till the rain completely stops. So, anything can be done only after around another 20 days.Indian Railways officials have not responded to inquiries regarding this development.The integrated corridor, initially intended to offer seamless connectivity to the Pragati Maidan complex and alleviate congestion on surrounding arterial roads such as Ring Road, Mathura Road, and Bhairon Marg, has faced several challenges. The total length of underpass number 5, also known as the Bhairon Marg-Ring Road underpass, spans 110 meters, with work remaining on a 28-meter-long section.While the underpass was originally anticipated to be completed by December of the previous year, various issues, including its proximity to the Yamuna River's banks and the presence of three active railway lines above the construction site, hindered progress. Despite the inauguration of the 1.3-kilometer main Pragati Maidan tunnel and five other underpasses for public use in June 2022, underpass 5's completion has been repeatedly delayed. Regrettably, officials now suggest that it is unlikely to be finished within this year. If you want to learn more about Indian Roads, make sure you sign-up for the India Roads Conference at the India Construction Festival on October 12th in New Delhi. Click HERE and reserve your seats! Or call Deepali on 82919 95574....