Delhi’s Sarita Vihar Flyover Closure from July 25 to Cause Major Disruptions on Badarpur-Ashram Route
New Delhi, India — The Public Works Department (PWD) has announced a 15-day partial closure of the Sarita Vihar flyover, starting July 25, 2025, for urgent structural repairs. The move is set to cause major traffic snarls across South Delhi, particularly affecting the heavily-used Badarpur-Ashram corridor. The Delhi Traffic Police have issued a detailed advisory warning commuters to avoid the affected route and opt for designated alternate paths to minimize delays.
The repair project, scheduled for completion by August 8, involves the closure of one carriageway of the flyover while the opposite side remains operational. Despite this measure, the flyover’s partial closure is expected to lead to significant congestion during peak hours, especially along Mathura Road, one of Delhi’s busiest arteries connecting the southern and central parts of the city.
Critical Link Undergoes Structural Rehabilitation
According to officials from the PWD, the current repair work is vital to maintaining the structural integrity of the Sarita Vihar flyover. The bridge, which supports thousands of vehicles daily, last underwent emergency repairs in October 2024. However, that project was interrupted in November due to air quality control measures imposed under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which restricts construction activities during high pollution periods.
With environmental restrictions now lifted, the PWD has resumed the crucial repair work, focusing on reinforcing joints, repairing expansion gaps, and addressing wear-and-tear issues that could otherwise compromise road safety.
Traffic Diversions Announced: Commuters Urged to Plan Ahead
To manage the traffic flow during the partial closure, the Delhi Traffic Police have introduced specific diversion plans for vehicles traveling between Badarpur and Ashram via Mathura Road.
Recommended Alternate Routes:
- Via Pul Prahladpur & Maa Anandmai Marg
Vehicles approaching from Badarpur should take Mehrauli-Badarpur Road (MB Road) through Pul Prahladpur and Lal Kuan. They are advised to turn right at Maa Anandmai Marg, pass Crown Plaza and Govindpuri, and head towards the Modi Mill Flyover. A left turn there will allow reentry to Mathura Road, continuing toward Ashram. - Via Okhla Road Slip Route
Another option includes taking the slip road adjacent to the Sarita Vihar flyover, turning left onto Okhla Road, followed by a right at Crown Plaza. Vehicles can then continue on Maa Anandmai Marg and merge with the first diversion route through Govindpuri toward Modi Mill Flyover and Mathura Road.
These diversions are strategically planned to minimize delays, but traffic authorities anticipate bottlenecks, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Heavy Vehicle Restrictions and Emergency Services
In a bid to ease congestion, heavy and commercial vehicles will be temporarily restricted from accessing the Sarita Vihar flyover zone unless deemed essential. The Delhi Traffic Police emphasized that these restrictions are critical for maintaining safety and allowing essential commuter and emergency service movement during the 15-day repair window.
Emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire services will be allowed access but are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid anticipated gridlocks.
Authorities Urge Real-Time Monitoring
The Delhi Traffic Police have deployed additional personnel to critical intersections and will be updating commuters regularly via official social media handles, FM radio, and navigation platforms like Google Maps and MapMyIndia. Road users are strongly advised to:
- Check traffic updates before traveling
- Allot extra commute time
- Avoid the Badarpur-Ashram corridor if possible
- Follow posted signage and police instructions
Authorities will also assess real-time conditions and may update or modify diversion plans based on traffic patterns.
Long-Term Benefits of Short-Term Disruption
While the flyover’s partial shutdown poses short-term inconvenience, authorities highlight that this essential repair work will enhance long-term road safety and reduce future breakdown risks. The flyover forms a key connector not only for daily commuters but also for intercity traffic traveling between Delhi and Faridabad, and onward to Agra and Mathura via NH-19.
Urban planning experts from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) have supported the PWD’s action, stating that infrastructure maintenance must be prioritized even during peak urban activity seasons, especially for structures over a decade old and exposed to high stress from heavy vehicular flow.
Public Cooperation Key to Success
Both the PWD and Delhi Traffic Police have called for public cooperation during this repair phase. Commuters are urged to be patient, follow traffic marshals, and adhere to diversions. Local residents in areas like Okhla, Govindpuri, and Pul Prahladpur are also requested to avoid unnecessary travel during peak times to reduce congestion in diverted zones.
The Delhi government has assured that if the repair work progresses faster than scheduled, the flyover may be reopened early. However, officials remain cautious given the complexity of the work involved and unpredictable monsoon weather, which may affect timelines.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
