Delhi Plans Underpass and New FOBs to Tackle Anand Vihar Traffic Chaos

New Delhi- Authorities in Delhi are working on an extensive infrastructure plan to decongest Anand Vihar, one of the most overcrowded and pollution-prone transit hubs in the National Capital Region.

The proposal includes the construction of an underpass beneath the Anand Vihar Railway Station to improve connectivity with Karkardooma, along with the addition of new foot overbridges (FOBs) and expansion of existing pedestrian infrastructure. The move is aimed at streamlining both vehicular and foot traffic in the area, which witnesses heavy daily commuter flow.

Officials said the plan emerged from a joint meeting involving multiple transport and road agencies, focusing on improving coordination across various modes of transport clustered within a compact zone. The area houses the Anand Vihar ISBT, a major metro station, a railway station, and the upcoming Regional Rapid Transit System corridor, making it a critical interchange point.

One of the primary concerns flagged is the absence of direct road access between Karkardooma and the Anand Vihar transit hub. Currently, commuters are forced to take longer, congested routes via internal roads or major stretches like Ghaziabad Road. The proposed underpass is expected to provide a more direct link, easing traffic bottlenecks.

In addition, authorities are planning a new FOB equipped with a travellator to facilitate smoother pedestrian movement between key points, including the railway station and nearby bus terminals. This will particularly benefit commuters traveling from Kaushambi, located just across the Delhi border.

The project also involves extending an existing foot overbridge to improve access towards the Karkardooma side, addressing the increasing footfall in the area. Officials noted that the current infrastructure is insufficient to handle peak-hour crowds, especially with rising passenger numbers due to expanding transport networks.

Anand Vihar frequently records “severe” air quality levels during winter months and is considered a major pollution hotspot due to dense traffic and overlapping transport systems.

Authorities, including the National Capital Region Transport Corporation, have initiated preliminary discussions to ensure seamless integration across transport modes, aiming to enhance commuter convenience and reduce congestion in one of Delhi’s busiest corridors.