- By Priyanka Koul
- Tue, 05 Aug 2025 08:51 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pragati Maidan Underpass: In a much-needed boost to Delhi’s traffic infrastructure, there’s finally some good news about the long-delayed underpass near Pragati Maidan. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has approved the revised proposal sent by the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Delhi government, clearing the way to finish the project without needing any additional budget.
As reported by Jagran.com, the proposal included three key technical changes, all of which have now been accepted by the Centre. With this approval, work can move forward after being stuck for years.
Here Are 3 Key Technical Fixes:
1. Grouting under the underpass box will begin immediately to stabilize the soil and prevent further subsidence.
2. Stitching the boxes under the railway line will ensure the railway tracks above remain structurally safe.
3. A cast-in-situ construction method will be used, which allows engineers to adjust the underpass’s height and width based on current technical requirements.
Pragati Maidan Underpass: Why the Project Was Delayed?
This underpass has been in limbo for quite some time. According to the current BJP-led administration, the previous government neither prioritized the project nor took timely action. Over the years, several challenges like soil subsidence, the complexity of working under a railway line, and lack of coordination between departments kept pushing the project off track. And all this while, a large chunk of the public money allocated to it had already been spent.
But now, the ministry has made it clear, no new funds will be released. The remaining work will be completed using the existing budget. This move is meant to ensure that public money is used wisely, with no unnecessary expenses.
PWD Minister Pravesh Verma visited the site last month and directed officials to come up with quick solutions. His push helped resolve the technical roadblocks and also improved coordination between the state and central authorities.
“This isn’t just another file being approved it’s a message,” Verma said. “From now on, there won’t be delays, only results. Every rupee collected from taxpayers will be converted into progress on the ground.”
How Will It Help?
The Pragati Maidan underpass is a key connector between central and east Delhi. Once completed, it will help decongest traffic near ITO and Pragati Maidan and make it easier to reach the ITPO complex and nearby event venues. The PWD has been directed to restart work immediately and submit weekly progress reports to the Minister’s Office.
Once the underpass is fully operational, people will be able to travel directly between Bhairon Marg and Sarai Kale Khan via the Ring Road cutting down both travel time and traffic snarls. Right now, only one lane is functional, and it's being used for two-way traffic. The second lane got delayed due to waterlogging and technical issues caused by the Yamuna floods in July 2023, but efforts are now underway to fix that.