New Delhi: Delhi is all set to get a major traffic relief by August 2025. The much-awaited six-lane Urban Extension Road-2 (UER-2) — dubbed as the city’s third Ring Road — is almost complete. Over 95% of the construction work is done, with key stretches through Najafgarh, Mundka, and Alipur already functional.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is overseeing the project. In a recent meeting with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and her cabinet, officials confirmed that the project is in its final phase.
🚗 What is UER-2?
UER-2 is a 76-km long corridor designed to divert heavy traffic and reduce congestion in Delhi. Out of this, 54.21 km lies within Delhi and 21.5 km extends into Haryana. Originally planned under the Delhi Master Plan Road 2021, it was later declared a national highway.
The ₹8,000 crore project is being funded by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for the Delhi portion, while NHAI is handling the construction. It is being built in five construction packages.
⏱️ Big Benefits for Commuters
Once operational, UER-2 will cut travel time by 40–60% for people traveling between:
- IGI Airport and north-west/south-west Delhi
- Chandigarh, Gurugram, and Faridabad
- Noida and South Delhi
It will also serve as a major link to highways like NH-48 and open access to less-connected areas like Karala, Bawana, and Najafgarh.
♻️ Greener Roads with Waste Reuse
A notable highlight of this project is the use of 2 million tonnes of legacy waste from the Ghazipur landfill in its construction. This effort has reduced the landfill height by 7 meters, as highlighted by Minister Gadkari during the Lok Sabha campaign.
NHAI has also been recycling inert waste like silt, stones, and debris for use in UER-2 and other ongoing projects such as:
- DND–Faridabad–Ballabhgarh–Sohna bypass
- Dwarka Expressway
This eco-friendly method helps reduce construction costs, cut emissions, and conserve natural resources.
🛣️ Dwarka Expressway Almost Ready
In another related development, the Dwarka Expressway — which connects directly to UER-2 — is 98% complete. The 28-km expressway was built at a cost of ₹8,611 crore.
- Haryana section opened in March 2024
- Delhi section, which includes underpasses and a tunnel near IGI Airport, is set to open within 15 days
This expressway will act as a bypass to NH-48 and will improve access from areas like Mahipalpur, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, and Najafgarh to Gurugram and the airport. It will also offer a direct link to the new Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Sector 25, Dwarka.
💰 Road Infra Boom in Delhi-NCR
Delhi and surrounding NCR regions are witnessing a major infrastructure push:
- ₹34,589 crore worth of roadworks underway across 594 km
- Another ₹23,850 crore allocated for 128 km of upcoming projects
✅ Conclusion
The upcoming launch of UER-2 and near-completion of Dwarka Expressway mark a transformative moment for Delhi’s road network. These developments will not only decongest existing roads but also provide faster, greener, and more efficient connectivity across the NCR.
