Last hurdle cleared: Railways NOC paves way for Pragati Maidan underpass-5

New Delhi: With Indian Railways granting the long-pending no-objection certificate (NOC), the last hurdle for the stalled underpass-5 project at Pragati Maidan has been cleared, paving the way for its completion by Dec 2026.The underpass, also known as the Bhairon Marg underpass, is part of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor project and is designed to provide signal-free connectivity between Sarai Kale Khan and Mathura Road. Once completed, it will allow commuters to bypass the congested Ring Road-Bhairon Marg junction and improve movement between east, central and southeast Delhi, including key stretches near ITO, Rajghat and Laxmi Nagar.The clearance marks the end of prolonged delays that had kept the project stuck for years despite multiple approvals. Officials said all major technical and inter-agency issues have now been resolved, allowing Public Works Department (PWD) to go ahead with construction.The project, located in a high-traffic and sensitive zone close to active railway tracks, had faced persistent roadblocks due to engineering challenges and the need for coordination among multiple agencies. A key breakthrough came in Aug 2025 when the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs approved a revised plan submitted by PWD that addressed critical concerns, such as soil settlement beneath the structure and design modifications required near the railway embankment.Under the revised plan, engineers proposed foundation stabilisation through grouting, structural stitching below the railway line to ensure safety, and adoption of a cast-in-situ construction method better suited to site conditions. The approval was granted, with the condition that the project would be completed within the existing sanctioned budget. However, work remained stalled due to the absence of final clearance from Railways, which was mandatory given the project’s proximity to operational tracks.Officials said the NOC came after sustained engagement between PWD minister Parvesh Verma and Railway officials, including several rounds of technical discussions and site inspections to address safety concerns.Verma said govt focused on resolving bottlenecks through direct intervention. “This project had been stuck for years due to pending clearances and lack of coordination. We worked to resolve issues, instead of passing responsibility. With this NOC, the final hurdle has been cleared. The focus is now on execution, speed and accountability. The project will be completed by Dec 2026,” he said.Officials said the underpass is the last of the six planned underpasses under the corridor project aimed at decongesting traffic around Pragati Maidan and the redeveloped convention complex. The emphasis will be on timely execution and ensuring there are no further delays, they added.