NEW DELHI: After a wait of 13 years, the work for the Sultanpuri rail underbridge (RUB) is almost over, mayor Shelly Oberoi said on Friday after inspecting the project that also includes an overbridge. The hurdle delaying the rail overbridge (ROB) construction will also be removed soon, she added. “The majority of the work of the underpass has been completed and it will be opened for public soon. The project has been pending since 2010, has missed several deadlines, and I also gave instructions to officials to accelerate the pending RUB work at the earliest,” said Oberoi. The work at the overbridge has slowed down due to legal issues involving a patch of land, said officials at Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).During a visit to the site near Sultanpuri Jalebi Chowk early this week, TOI found painting work in progress at the RUB. Officials claimed on Monday that 90% of its work had been completed. The RUB is to cater to light vehicles while the ROB is meant for heavy vehicles, said officials. Local councillor Ravinder Bhardwaj said the underpass would streamline the movement of traffic in the congested area. “As soon as the remaining 5-10% work, such as fixing lights, painting, levelling of stretch and other repair works, is completed, we will pursue the mayor for inaugurating the facility for the public,” he said. Two-way traffic will be allowed inside the underbridge, said MCD officials.Local residents are desperately waiting for its inauguration. “To avoid long jams witnessed at the railway crossing, MCD decided to construct the ROB and the RUB 13 years ago. But our problem hasn’t been solved even after so many years and we have to take a detour to cross the area,” said a resident. On the status of the overbridge, which will connect Nangloi and other parts of west Delhi, Bhardwaj said, “A court case is going on over a 30-40m patch. The work can be accelerated only after the court’s decision.” Officials said the contractual cost of the project would be Rs 65 crore against the initial Rs 39 crore and both facilities would be handed over to Public Works Department after completion. “To ensure that no waterlogging happens at the RUB, especially during the monsoon, a sump well has been constructed. Temporary pumps have also been arranged,” said an official.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-13-years-in-making-underpass-at-sultanpuri-nearly-done/articleshow/101056265.cms