Date:22/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/22/stories/2008102260310300.htm

New Delhi

Vikas Marg opened to traffic again

Staff Reporter

“No diversions and traffic flow is unimpeded”

‘DMRC expecting a loss of Rs.3 crore due to interruption’
‘More safety programmes for Metro workers’

NEW DELHI: It was business as usual on the busy Vikas Marg on Tuesday after the debris from Sunday’s mishap at the Delhi Metro railway construction site was removed and the road opened to traffic.

According to traffic police officers, both sides of Vikas Marg, which had been closed to traffic for the past two days following the collapse of a launcher, were opened to the public in the early hours of Tuesday.

“There is free movement of traffic on both sides of the road. There are no diversions and traffic flow is unimpeded. There was no problem even during the peak hours,” said a traffic policeman on duty.

For its part, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said all the debris had been cleared and the area rid of the collapsed construction material. “There is very little material left near the site. It will be cleared in the next 24 hours,” said DMRC spokesperson Anuj Dayal.

Referring to the work that has been halted at various construction sites, Mr. Dayal said: “We are in the process of inspecting and examining the launchers and the other equipment. Work will be resumed as soon as we get the necessary clearances.”

He said though DMRC was expecting a loss of about Rs.3 crore because of interruption in construction work, the Corporation does not anticipate a delay in meeting its deadline.

“We are likely to suffer a loss of about Rs.3 crore, but as far as losing out on time is concerned, we are hopeful of making up for it. We do not foresee a delay in completion of work,” Mr. Dayal said.

Referring to the steps being taken by DMRC to stave off mishaps, Mr. Dayal said a decision had been taken to increase the number of safety programmes for its employees.

“There will be more intensive and extensive safety programmes for the employees. We will organise more workshops that focus attention on the safety measures that have to be implemented and followed,” he added.

Following Sunday’s mishap that left two persons dead and several injured, the traffic police had blocked Vikas Marg from Laxmi Nagar crossing up to Karkari Mor. Diversions had been put in place for commuters travelling to East Delhi colonies including Preet Vihar, Madhuban, Laxmi Nagar and Shakarpur.