Nand Nagari Flyover Nears Completion But Trees Still Stand in the Middle: The much-awaited Nand Nagari flyover in Delhi is expected to open by August 2025, even though over 60 trees are still standing in the middle of its carriageway.
The flyover, part of a ₹157.85 crore project to make Wazirabad Road signal-free, is already 85% complete, according to officials from the Public Works Department (PWD).
Delhi’s Third Flyover Where Vehicles May Navigate Around Trees
If opened without tree clearance, the Nand Nagari flyover will become Delhi’s third “flyover with trees.”
Earlier in 2025, the Anand Vihar and Punjabi Bagh flyovers were inaugurated with mature trees still standing under or between vehicle lanes.
Officials cite pending forest clearances as the reason for the delay and plan to remove the trees later under a supplementary agreement.
Project Faced Delays Despite Deadline Set for July 2024
Construction began in February 2023 with a completion target of July 2024. The delay stems mostly from tree removal permissions and some unresolved infrastructure issues.
The 1,500-metre-long, six-lane flyover stretches along National Highway-9, linking the Nand Nagri junction to the Gagan Cinema T-junction.
It’s designed to ease traffic between North Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, connecting localities like Dilshad Garden, Karawal Nagar, Mustafabad, and Gonda.
Safety Issues Highlighted in Recent Inspection Report
A June 21 inspection raised serious safety concerns, warning of debris, uncovered drains, and sewer lines obstructing structures near the Nand Nagari depot.
The report called for immediate cleanup of malba (construction waste) near the ramp and better lighting for night-time driving.
These hazards pose a risk to public safety if the flyover opens before final finishing work is completed.
63 Trees Await Clearance From Forest Department
The major hold-up remains the pending clearance for 63 trees — 36 listed on the e-Parivesh portal and 27 under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA).
On June 4, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena invoked Section 29 of the DPTA, granting a special exemption to fast-track the process.
Even so, the final forest department clearance is still awaited, leaving the trees temporarily in place.
Pedestrian Infrastructure Also Set for Upgrade
As part of the larger project, authorities will demolish the current foot overbridge and build a subway for safer pedestrian access.
The plan also includes drainage upgrades, footpaths, and rainwater harvesting systems to modernize the corridor.
Travel Time to Bhopura Expected to Be Cut in Half
Once operational, the flyover will reduce travel time to Bhopura via Signature Bridge from 30 minutes to just 15 minutes.
Despite the incomplete work, officials remain focused on opening the flyover near Independence Day, citing the need to reduce traffic congestion along the route.
Commuters May See Trees in the Middle Lane
The Nand Nagari flyover may open with trees still standing in its carriageway, echoing recent flyover launches elsewhere in the city.
While it promises to ease travel, unfinished safety measures and delayed clearances highlight the challenges of balancing infrastructure growth with environmental approvals.
