India, June 23 -- One of Delhi's longest-pending infrastructure projects moved a step closer to completion on Monday as the final deck slab of the Barapullah Phase-III elevated corridor was successfully cast, connecting both ends of the structure across the Yamuna River after more than a decade of delays. Originally targeted for completion in 2017 after work began in 2015, the project was held up by land acquisition disputes, environmental clearances and technical challenges associated with construction over the Yamuna floodplain. The revised project cost now stands at around Rs.1,635 crore. The final slab involved the casting of approximately 175 cubic metres of concrete. With this, the project has crossed the landmark of nearly 4.5 lakh cubic metres of concrete used in construction. Also Read - ED raids Delhi nightclub owner, others in 2021 Mundra port drugs seizure case PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh visited the site to mark the occasion and shared dinner with workers, engineers and staff involved in the project. "Today is not just about concrete and steel. Today is about completing a promise that Delhi had been waiting for over a decade. This final slab represents the determination of hundreds of workers and engineers who refused to let this project remain unfinished," Singh said. He said the project was identified as a priority after the present government assumed office and was closely monitored to remove bottlenecks. "For years, Delhiites saw deadlines come and go. After our government came to power, we decided that this project could not be allowed to remain stuck any longer. I have personally visited the site multiple times, reviewed progress regularly and worked with officials to remove bottlenecks," the minister said. Also Read - CM Gupta: New Jan 2025 cut-off expands rehabilitation coverage Despite facing a seven-year land acquisition dispute and multiple administrative hurdles, the project witnessed accelerated progress over the past year and a half through coordinated efforts of various agencies. "Governments are ultimately judged not by announcements but by delivery. What remained incomplete for nearly eleven years is now approaching completion," Singh added. Once operational, the corridor will provide signal-free connectivity between East and South Delhi, easing congestion and reducing travel time on NH-24, the DND Flyway, Ring Road and at Sarai Kale Khan.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.