Metro construction causing traffic snarls

The ongoing construction of Delhi Metro network has made life miserable for the daily commuters who get stuck in the traffic jams across the city. Traffic flow near Sarai Kale Khan, Nehru Palace, Trilok Puri, Mayur Vihar phase I and II are hindered due to the narrow space left after barricading the piers.

There are complaints that the ongoing construction works of the new Metro lines are mismanaged causing traffic congestion. It seems that the DMRC these days is struggling hard to ensure better work culture in the construction sites.

The on-going construction at South Ex is also creating huge traffic jams especially during peak hours, which is becoming the reason of inconvenience for commuters.

“We are forced to walk a kilometre extra due to the ongoing Metro work. The service lane has been narrowed and vehicles can’t use it. DMRC’s <g data-gr-id="33">marshals,</g> supposedly deployed at these points to regulate traffic are hardly seen. Cars and motorcycles enter the service lane blocking it, leading to fights,” said Rohit Sharma, a resident of South Ex.

Daily commuters feel, crossing the stretch between Andrews Ganj and AIIMS flyovers can take up to 30 minutes even during off-peak hours. Even the eight-laned road is unable to take the load of vehicles plying on it. “The traffic speed gets reduced even before the Andrews Ganj flyover starts and the jam lasts till AIIMS,’’ said Anand Sharma, a daily sufferer.

“Because of the construction work of South Ex Metro station, the area’s bus stand has been shifted to near AIIMS. I live in Masjid Moth area, and have to walk around 500 meters to reach my house because of the diversion,” said Atul Varma, a local resident.

A similar situation can be seen at the Mayur Vihar phase-1 to Trilok puri stretch and also at Mayur Vihar phase 2, East Vinod Nager, Modi Mill, Kalka Ji and other parts of the city.