Amit Shah inaugurates Barapullah Phase-III corridor, cuts East Delhi-AIIMS time to 15 mins
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, inaugurated the Barapullah Phase-III elevated corridor in New Delhi, marking a major infrastructure milestone aimed at delivering signal-free connectivity between East Delhi and South Delhi. The project is the largest component of the four-phase Barapullah corridor network and is expected to cut average travel time between Mayur Vihar Phase-I and the AIIMS area from roughly 35–40 minutes to approximately 15 minutes.
Key Details of the Corridor
The Phase-III stretch links Mayur Vihar Phase-I in East Delhi to the AIIMS area in South Delhi through a fully elevated, signal-free route. It connects with the existing Barapullah elevated road at Sarai Kale Khan, completing an approximately 9-km-long continuous stretch along one of the capital's most congested arterials. Commuters from Noida are among the primary beneficiaries, gaining a more direct approach to central and southern parts of Delhi without navigating multiple signalised intersections.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration was held in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, Minister Kapil Mishra, and other senior Delhi government leaders. The high-profile attendance signals the political importance both the Centre and the Delhi government are attaching to infrastructure delivery in the national capital, particularly ahead of expected scrutiny over urban mobility improvements.
Why This Corridor Matters
The Barapullah network has been developed in phases specifically to address east-west connectivity deficits across the capital. Phase-III, being the largest of the four phases, tackles one of the most heavily trafficked corridors — a route that funnels daily commuters from the densely populated Mayur Vihar belt and satellite city Noida toward hospitals, government offices, and transport hubs clustered around AIIMS and Sarai Kale Khan. Notably, the corridor bypasses several historically congested stretches, offering motorists an uninterrupted elevated route for the bulk of the journey.
Broader Impact on Delhi's Road Network
The opening fits into Delhi's wider push to expand its network of elevated roads and signal-free corridors as the city grapples with chronic congestion. Traffic authorities expect the project to significantly ease pressure on parallel surface roads. With Phase-III now operational, the integrated Barapullah elevated corridor offers a substantially longer continuous stretch, improving the overall efficiency of east-to-south movement across the city. Further phases or complementary projects are expected to build on this foundation as Delhi's infrastructure upgrade programme continues.