City all set to go into (fly)overdrive

NEW DELHI: There is a Diwali treat in store for Delhiites who have been plagued by traffic bottlenecks around up-coming flyovers. At least six flyovers are expected to be completed by November-end, while another four may make the mark by December-end.
So by year-end, Delhi''s horizon will boast of more than 30 flyovers across the city, with many more in the offing next year.
Though most of these flyovers have missed multiple deadlines, the decision of the "much-embarrassed" Delhi government to impose fines for delay on contractors has brought a seriousness in meeting new deadlines.
By Dussehra, one will be able to zip through the flyover on Dhaula Kuan. Even the flyover at Khel Gaon is expected to be completed by October-end.
Meanwhile, the Maa Anandmayi Marg flyover near Kalkaji temple was opened recently, providing a welcome relief to the traffic coming from Okhla Industrial Area, Govindpuri and Kalkaji.
Senior government officials said work picked up pace after urban development minister instructed the PWD to slap a fine of Rs 20,000 per day for the delay. Similarly, the Khel Gaon Marg flyover has also got over its hurdles and is expected to be completed by October-end.
Dhaula Kuan too will become a hurdle-free stretch with the third clover being opened by October 15. The Sriniwaspuri flyover will be thrown open for motorists by October 31. The flyover is being built by the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) at a cost of Rs 60 crore. The work picked pace after tourism minister A K Lovely visited the site earlier this month and ordered its completion by October-end. "The cause of delay was shifting of a GAIL pipeline, telecom cables and power lines that has been completed now," an engineer said.
The flyover construction between Bhikaji Cama Place and AIIMS'' B Avenue which was affecting Ring Road traffic will soon be complete, providing a hitch-free ride on the Ring Road.
"Though the latest deadline was October 31, this may get put off till December-end," a Delhi government official said.