New Delhi: With the vision to utilise spaces under flyovers in a better way and create public spaces, Public Works Department (PWD) started a pilot project to construct an indoor sports facility under the Lajpat Nagar flyover in 2022.
However, the project was abandoned a year ago, and now the infrastructure under the flyover lies incomplete and abandoned. The spaces under the flyovers in Delhi are often encroached upon by squatters, who start living there.
The department came up with this idea to curb squatters from living under flyovers. When PWD was carrying out the streetscaping work on the South Extension market stretch of Ring Road, the idea to construct a space underneath emerged. The civil work started, and by 2023, the foundation, metal structure, and grilles were erected around the area, and slopes on the road median were constructed for the smooth movement of people inside. Plantation work was done around the structure, and iron gates were erected.
Beyond that, the work did not proceed. Due to a lack of maintenance and use, the facility is deteriorating, and items are being stolen and damaged.
At the time, officials claimed that the facility was being built as per the international norms set for badminton and squash courts. There would be a facility for people to come, park their vehicles, play and then leave. Initially, the use of the courts would be free of cost, but after some time, basic charges might be levied just for the basic upkeep and maintenance of the facility.
In June 2023, the department carried out a survey of all its flyovers under its jurisdiction for the use of this vacant land. If the pilot project showed the desired results, it would have been replicated at other locations, depending on the requirement. However, that did not happen. PWD minister Atishi stated earlier this year that the facility would be used as storage, but it is neither.
According to the availability of space under the scheme, sports complexes, electric vehicle charging stations, govt offices, green zones, and similar activities were considered. The idea is to protect the space from encroachment, the PWD said at the time.
