Rajghat may turn signal-free? PWD plans U-turn-based trial to smooth Ring Road traffic

NEW DELHI: Commuters travelling along Ring Road from Rajghat may soon have a smoother commute, with Public Works Department (PWD) planning to make the busy Rajghat crossing signal-free under a trial U-turn scheme.

The proposal aims to do away with traffic lights at Rajghat and Shanti Van by redesigning road infrastructure and permitting controlled U-turns, a model PWD officials believe will reduce bottlenecks and keep vehicles moving continuously on one of Delhi's most congested corridors.


The plan focuses on channelling traffic rather than stopping it. Vehicles will no longer have to stop at red lights at the junction; instead, movement will be regulated through designated U-turns and improved lane discipline.

The trial is being closely watched as Ring Road carries a high volume of mixed traffic, including private vehicles, buses and heavy transport, making even short-signal halts a trigger for long queues and spillover congestion.

To support the new arrangement, the department is upgrading road safety and guidance infrastructure at the junction. Reflective raised pavement markers, commonly known as cat eyes, will be installed to improve lane visibility, especially at night and during poor weather. These studs are designed to withstand heavy loads and abrasion, ensuring durability on a stretch that sees continuous traffic. Flexible median markers with fluorescent retro-reflective surfaces will help in separating traffic streams and preventing unsafe lane changes near the U-turn points.

In addition, new signage will be placed to provide clear directional information to motorists well in advance. The emphasis is on ensuring drivers can easily read road markings and signs, reducing last-minute braking or sudden turns that often contribute to congestion and accidents at major intersections, according to the officials.

The location of the project is crucial. Rajghat and Shanti Van form a key node on Ring Road, linking central Delhi with east and north Delhi. The junction also lies on routes frequently used by buses and commercial vehicles, amplifying its impact on overall traffic flow. Officials said even marginal improvements at this junction could have a wider ripple effect — easing travel time, cutting fuel wastage and reducing pressure on surrounding roads.

If the trial proves effective, the signal-free U-turn model could be replicated at other high-traffic intersections across the city, the officials said.

Atul Ranjit Kumar, an urban transport expert and secretary general of Guru Hanuman Society of Bharat, an NGO, said, "The current U-turn located around 150 metres from the Rajghat crossing will be widened and reshaped to allow smoother turning spaces for vehicles on both carriageways.

At the Rajghat signal, the central verge of the main carriageway will be closed using sliding, retractable safety barriers, preventing direct crossing at the junction. Instead of signal-controlled crossings, a new cut-in-median type U-turn will be opened at a suitable location, roughly midway between the Rajghat and Shanti Van crossings, with offsets provided on both carriageways to manage traffic from either direction. A similar arrangement will be created near Shanti Van."