The Delhi government has approved the first phase of its ambitious ₹12,000-crore Elevated Ring Road project, marking a major step toward transforming the capital’s road infrastructure and easing chronic traffic congestion. The project aims to construct an elevated corridor above the existing Ring Road network and includes the development of two new bridges across the Yamuna River.
According to Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma, the project will be executed in six phases, with the first three packages already receiving clearance. The initial phase alone will cover approximately 25 kilometres and will be divided into three major stretches: Azadpur Chowk to Metcalfe House, Majnu Ka Tila to Salimgarh Fort, and Salimgarh Fort to the DND Flyway.
A key highlight of the plan is the construction of two new Yamuna crossings designed to improve east–west connectivity across Delhi. One bridge is proposed near Chandgi Ram Akhara, close to Metcalfe House, and is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between North-East Delhi, ITO, and Mayur Vihar. It will also be integrated with future infrastructure plans, including the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway corridor.
The second proposed crossing near the historic Lohe Ka Pul aims to replace an ageing structure and reduce heavy traffic load on existing bridges such as the ITO Bridge and Yudhister Setu. Officials expect this addition to ease pressure on some of the city’s most congested traffic corridors.
The elevated corridor is designed to separate long-distance traffic from local movement, thereby improving travel efficiency along the busy Mahatma Gandhi Marg and surrounding arterial roads. The project blueprint includes 15 interchanges and 23 access points, enabling smoother entry and exit points along the route.
Authorities believe the project will significantly reduce travel time across key stretches of Delhi, while also improving freight and commuter movement through the capital. Once completed, the elevated Ring Road is expected to become a critical backbone of Delhi’s urban transport system, addressing long-standing congestion issues.
With rapid urban expansion and rising vehicle density, the project represents one of Delhi’s largest infrastructure interventions in recent years, aiming to reshape mobility patterns across the city.
