New Delhi: The Old Rao Tula Ram (RTR) flyover carriageway connecting the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport side to Vasant Vihar in Delhi has been temporarily closed after cracks were detected at two locations on it, officials said. The closure has been imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent accidents, with the Public Works Department (PWD) undertaking repairs in coordination with the Delhi Traffic Police.

Source: The Daily Jagran

The cracks were noticed by traffic personnel, who informed the PWD. Officials said the damage at both locations made it necessary to close the entire carriageway, as keeping even a part of it open was not considered safe. Reports on the damage described concrete deterioration and exposed reinforcement in a gap-slab section of the flyover.

Following the closure, vehicles travelling from the airport side towards Vasant Vihar are being diverted onto the adjoining service road. The diversion has caused congestion and long queues, particularly on the route towards Munirka, and added pressure on the Delhi-Gurugram corridor, with queues reported near the Sarhaul border on Wednesday evening. Traffic personnel have been deployed in the area, and the traffic police have updated Google Maps to show the carriageway as closed.

Source: Urban Acres

According to the traffic police advisory, the flyover will remain closed until October 25. Repair work is expected to be completed by the morning of Monday, October 26, after which the carriageway may reopen subject to completion of repairs and the necessary safety checks. Commuters using the airport-South Delhi corridor have been advised to allow extra time and plan their routes in advance.