Urgent Repair Work Shuts Down Key Central Delhi Stretch
Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) has announced that Pusa Road will remain closed until June 17, as crews carry out critical drainage upgrades to prevent seasonal flooding in the area. The closure affects both carriageways between Karol Bagh Metro Station and the R-Block roundabout, near Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
The decision comes in anticipation of the upcoming monsoon, with authorities aiming to complete the work before heavy rains begin. The drainage work is part of a larger plan to fortify Delhi’s vulnerable urban flood zones.
Major Diversions in Place
Delhi Traffic Police have issued traffic advisories suggesting alternate routes for commuters:
- Vehicles from Patel Nagar to Connaught Place: Diverted via Shankar Road and Mandir Marg.
- Traffic from Karol Bagh to New Rajendra Nagar: Advised to take DB Gupta Road or Desh Bandhu Gupta Road.
Commuters are encouraged to use real-time traffic apps like MapMyIndia or Google Maps to avoid congestion hotspots.
Impact on Commuters and Hospitals
Pusa Road serves as a critical arterial route for West and Central Delhi. The closure is already creating delays, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
A senior doctor from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, which is located directly on the affected stretch, told reporters:
“While the closure poses logistical challenges for patients and emergency vehicles, we’ve coordinated with local authorities for alternative access routes.”
Residents of nearby colonies such as Rajinder Nagar, Karol Bagh, and Patel Nagar are facing increased travel times but acknowledged the need for preventive measures, citing last year’s waterlogging.
Why Now: Timing Tied to School Breaks
PWD officials stated that the work was scheduled now to minimize public inconvenience, as schools are on summer vacation, reducing school-related traffic.
Part of City-Wide Monsoon Readiness Plan
This closure is one of several actions being taken across Delhi:
- Desilting of stormwater drains
- Deployment of monsoon response teams
- Cleaning of chokepoints in vulnerable flood zones, including Minto Road and Ring Road intersections
PWD officials confirmed that the drain being repaired on Pusa Road had long-standing issues with blockage and backflow during peak rains. Once completed, the upgraded infrastructure is expected to prevent future waterlogging and road damage.
Plan Routes in Advance
Authorities have urged commuters to plan routes in advance, avoid the area if possible, and cooperate until June 17. While short-term disruptions are inevitable, officials emphasize the long-term benefits of a flood-resilient road network.
As Delhi braces for monsoon, Pusa Road’s temporary closure serves as a reminder of the infrastructure challenges in India’s rapidly growing urban centers—and the efforts required to overcome them before disaster strikes.
FAQs: Pusa Road Closure in Delhi
Q1. Why is Pusa Road closed?
Pusa Road is closed due to urgent stormwater drain repair work being carried out by the Delhi Jal Board, aimed at preventing waterlogging during monsoon.
Q2. What are the closure dates for Pusa Road?
The closure started on June 11, 2025, and will continue until June 17, 2025, unless extended due to unforeseen delays.
Q3. Which areas and traffic routes are affected?
The stretch between Shankar Road and Patel Nagar is blocked. Heavy traffic diversions are in place, and commuters are advised to avoid Pusa Road entirely during peak hours.
Q4. What alternate routes can commuters take?
Traffic has been redirected via Shankar Road, Patel Road, and Arya Samaj Road. The Delhi Traffic Police has deployed additional personnel to manage diversions.
Q5. Are public transport services affected?
Some DTC buses may be rerouted or delayed along this corridor. Metro services remain unaffected, and nearby stations like Karol Bagh and Rajendra Place can be used to bypass road closures.
Q6. Is the road closure related to any larger infrastructure project?
No, the closure is for drain repair only, part of Delhi’s pre-monsoon civic preparedness plan.