Delhi's Old RTR Flyover Reopens Tonight for Light Vehicles Only; Heavy Vehicles Still Barred

The Old Rao Tula Ram (RTR) flyover linking Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) with South Delhi partially reopened on the evening of October 26 after a week-long closure, but only light vehicles may use it during the trial phase.

Why it closed and what was fixed

The carriageway towards Vasant Vihar closed on October 20 after traffic police found deteriorating concrete, cracks and exposed iron rods along the gap slab section. Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh inspected the site on the morning of October 26, accompanied by fellow minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa; in a post on X, he said the necessary repairs are complete, the flyover would reopen to light vehicles that evening, and a comprehensive structural audit is underway to ensure the strength and long-term safety of the structure, built in 2009.

What commuters need to know

During the trial phase only two-wheelers and light four-wheelers may use the repaired carriageway, while authorities assess its performance under live traffic loads; heavy commercial vehicles remain prohibited, and the Public Works Department is installing height barriers at the entrance. The Indian Express quoted Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi Traffic) Vikas Kumar as saying additional traffic personnel will be deployed round the clock to divert heavy vehicles before they reach the flyover.

The flyover is a major route from the airport and Gurugram towards Vasant Vihar, South Delhi, Noida and other parts of the National Capital Region; during the closure, traffic was forced onto the adjoining service road, creating severe bottlenecks, and the reopening should ease pressure around the airport.