Construction of Long-Pending Foot Overbridge Begins Near Rajputana Rifles HQ in Delhi

New Delhi, March 7: Construction has finally begun on a permanent foot overbridge near the headquarters of the Rajputana Rifles along Ring Road in the Delhi Cantonment area. Officials from the Public Works Department confirmed that excavation and foundation work at the site has already started.

The pedestrian bridge is being built close to the temporary Bailey Bridge installed last year to provide an interim crossing.

The overbridge project had been awaiting execution for more than ten years despite receiving approval earlier. Authorities expect the new structure to be completed within six months. Heavy equipment has been deployed at the site, and deep trenches have been dug to lay the foundation for the bridge.

Officials clarified that the upcoming foot overbridge will be a basic pedestrian structure without escalators or lifts.

The construction site lies near the Rajputana Rifles campus, where soldiers and trainees regularly cross the busy Ring Road to travel between their barracks and training grounds. For years, in the absence of a safe crossing, many personnel were forced to pass through a nearby drainage culvert.

During the monsoon season, the drain often overflowed with rainwater, making the crossing risky and inconvenient. At times, trainees had to wade through waterlogged conditions or take a lengthy detour of more than two kilometres.

After the issue drew public attention last year, the Delhi High Court took suo motu notice and directed authorities to ensure the construction of a permanent pedestrian bridge.

Since the permanent structure was expected to take time, the court recommended installing a temporary Bailey Bridge as an immediate solution. That temporary bridge has been operational since October.

Officials said the temporary arrangement will be dismantled once the new permanent foot overbridge is completed, ensuring a safer and more convenient crossing for soldiers and pedestrians in the area.