The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has achieved a significant breakthrough in constructing a new bridge connecting Narayana with Inderpuri that allows for the movement of two-wheelers on the path, a long-standing concern for local residents. After a year of relentless efforts of finding a feasible solution for the two-wheeler commuters, AAP MCD-in-charge and MLA, Shri Durgesh Pathak, announced the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) official approval for the bridge’s construction on Friday, thus enhancing transportation and connectivity in the region. The closure of the railway bridge near Inderpuri halt for the movement of vehicles has posed immense challenges for two-wheeler commuters, resulting in detours of up to three to five kilometres and significant expenses and inconveniences. However, the upcoming construction, set to commence shortly, promises to alleviate their transportation woes, reconnecting Inderpuri, Budh Nagar, Narayana, Loha Mandi, and Mayapuri. The transformative infrastructure project has garnered praise from Ms Jyoti Gautam, AAP councillor from Inderpuri, who recognised the positive impact it will have on the lives of countless residents.
Recounting the promise made by AAP during the Rajinder Nagar by-election, Shri Durgesh Pathak stated, “We had pledged to the public that when the MLA of the Aam Aadmi Party emerges victorious, we will collaborate with all agencies to address the closure of the railway bridge near the Inderpuri Halt for two-wheelers. Within a year, not only has the AAP MLA been elected from the area, AAP also triumphed in the MCD elections, with our candidate, Ms Jyoti Gautam, securing a win from Inderpuri ward. I am pleased to inform you that the AAP-led MCD has approved the allocation of land required for the construction of the new bridge.”
During a press conference on Friday, Shri Durgesh Pathak shared the official file noting, which has received approval from the MCD, stating, “The memorandum has been signed by the Mayor of Delhi, Ms Shelly Oberoi, and all other relevant MCD officials. This enables the allocation of land to the railways, which will now swiftly proceed with the construction of the new bridge. Preparations for the demolition of the existing railway bridge are set to commence soon.”
Vehicle movement has been halted at the Inderpuri-Naraina bridge in Rajinder Nagar for nearly three years with only pedestrians being allowed access. This has posed a significant challenge for two-wheeler commuters, leading to daily walking detours of up to 4 to 5 kilometres, causing inconvenience and additional expenses. Many had to resort to taking autos or buses, incurring extra expenses of Rs 100 to Rs 150 per person daily. Shri Durgesh Pathak noted, “A considerable sum of up to 4 to 5 thousand rupees is spent each month for this extended journey by individuals, many of whose monthly income is only 10 to 20 thousand rupees in some cases. The closure of the road has also severely disrupted and impacted the Inderpuri market.”
Furthermore, the closure impacted the local market and created difficulties in people’s daily lives. Despite a significant struggle, including legal actions and protests, the bridge remained closed for two-wheelers due to the lack of sufficient land and space needed to create a suitable slope for the passage of vehicles. The MCD had control over the required land on both sides of the said bridge, causing a delay in its construction. However, since the Aam Aadmi Party took charge of the MCD, significant progress has been made. The upcoming construction promises to put an end to the struggles faced by the local community by easing travel burdens and reestablishing convenient access between Inderpuri, Budh Nagar, Narayana, Loha Mandi, and Mayapuri.
Shri Durgesh Pathak extended gratitude to the MCD officials, including the Mayor Ms Shelly Oberoi, Deputy Mayor Shri Aale Mohammad Iqbal, Leader of the House Shri Mukesh Goel, and Inderpuri Councillor Ms Jyoti Gautam, for their collaborative efforts towards the initiative, including multiple site visits, files, and other crucial tasks. He also expressed appreciation for the crucial cooperation received from the railways for finalising the said memorandum.
He thanked the residents of Inderpuri and Naraina Wards for their trust, support and vote for AAP during the elections. Furthermore, he highlighted the key role played by Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal and his team in expediting the project and promptly resolving any challenges.
Ms Jyoti Gautam, AAP councillor from Inderpuri, welcomed the bridge construction, emphasising the relief it will bring to the residents of Budh Nagar, Inderpuri, Naraina Vihar, Narayana village, and surrounding areas. “This has been a serious concern for the locals as it has completely obstructed access to two-wheelers. Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal had promised to address this bridge issue during the election campaign, and he has delivered on his promise within a year.”
