New Delhi: The old Rao Tula Ram (RTR) flyover remained closed Monday, extending the disruption for motorists for the sixth day in a row. Authorities said the elevated road would reopen to light vehicles Tuesday.The delay, meanwhile, kept traffic spilling onto NH-48, leaving commuters crawling towards Dhaula Kuan.The respite, however, will come with a catch. Heavy vehicles such as trucks and tempos will remain barred for at least a week after the flyover reopens. A height barrier is also planned to keep heavy vehicles off the stretch.Built in 2009, the flyover has served as a key link between the airport, Gurgaon and south Delhi.Its closure has disrupted the morning commute for many, particularly for motorists heading from IGI airport and Gurgaon towards Vasant Vihar and other parts of south Delhi.Traffic choked NH-48, with queues stretching several kilometres towards Dhaula Kuan.The flyover was closed after traffic personnel spotted damage at two spots during a patrol and alerted PWD.During a site inspection Monday, PWD minister Parvesh Verma saw deteriorating concrete in the gap slab section, cracks and exposed iron rods.Verma had said the repair work was complete and the flyover would reopen to light vehicles Monday evening. He visited the site with senior PWD officials. He said the temporary closure was necessary for public safety and the department acted swiftly to restore connectivity. However, it remained shut till 10.30pm as the installation of the height barrier took longer than expected.Authorities later said it would open to traffic Tuesday.The closure also drew commuters’ ire. Several commuters vented on social media Monday morning. “When will RTR flyover open? What’s the plan? How long do you want us burning our fuel and energy? Also, open the traffic light, for God’s sake. An 8km-long queue is waiting for you guys to manage the traffic,” one commuter wrote.Traffic police said signboards would be installed to inform motorists about the restrictions. “We are placing signboards for light and heavy vehicles to provide them information. Trucks and tempos will remain barred for at least a week, and a height barrier is planned to prevent heavy vehicles from taking the flyover,” said DCP (New Delhi) traffic Vikas Kumar.
