The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved three foot over bridges (FOBs) on the Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Expressway (NH-709B) in East Delhi to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility. Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways Shri Harsh Malhotra laid foundation stones for two of these bridges on 23 September 2026. The third bridge has also been approved and will be constructed near Bhajanpura, Garhi Mendu.
Key facts
- Two foot over bridges laid foundation on the Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Expressway (NH-709B)
- First FOB location: Geeta Colony/Gandhi Nagar at Km 5+100
- Second FOB location: Ramesh Park, Laxmi Nagar at Km 2+800
- Third FOB approved near Bhajanpura, Garhi Mendu at Km 10+800
- Total cost of three FOBs: Rs 12.8 crore
- All bridges will have lift facilities for accessibility
- Foundation stone event attended by MLAs from Gandhi Nagar, Laxmi Nagar and Krishna Nagar constituencies
Why these foot over bridges are needed
The Delhi section of the Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Expressway runs through densely populated residential and commercial areas. The expressway connects major local movement corridors, creating a need for safe pedestrian infrastructure. Without dedicated crossing points, pedestrians crossing the elevated highway face risk from vehicle traffic, and vehicles are also delayed by pedestrian movement on the main carriageway. The foot over bridges will address both problems by creating separate, safe passages for pedestrians.
What makes these bridges different
These are not simple pedestrian overpasses. Each foot over bridge will include lift facilities, making them accessible to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and parents with young children or prams. The lifts remove the barrier of climbing stairs that many pedestrians face. This design reflects a focus on inclusive infrastructure that serves all segments of the population, not just the able-bodied.
Connected improvements on the expressway
The foot over bridges are part of a broader development plan for the Delhi section of the expressway. The Ministry has started work on parking facilities in the space beneath the elevated highway structure. These parking areas will include electric vehicle (EV) charging points, public toilets and other amenities. This use of underutilised space below the expressway aims to ease parking pressure in the surrounding residential areas while providing public facilities.
Additionally, solar panels are being installed along the elevated stretch. The solar installations will supply power to highway operations and reduce reliance on conventional electricity. This aligns with India’s renewable energy targets and the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
The Ministry is also carrying out a comprehensive beautification plan for the Delhi stretch of the expressway. These improvements are intended to enhance the visual appearance of the corridor and make it more pedestrian-friendly.
What this means for residents of East Delhi
Daily commuters, students, workers, and shoppers who cross the expressway will benefit from safer, dedicated pedestrian paths. Seniors and people with mobility challenges will find the bridges usable because of lift access. The expressway will see smoother traffic flow because pedestrians will no longer cross on the main carriageway. Residents and traders in surrounding areas will gain from improved parking facilities and public amenities under the elevated section. The solar panels and environmental measures contribute to cleaner air and sustainable urban development.
Timeline and next steps
Foundation stones were laid on 23 September 2026. The announcement does not specify a completion date for the three foot over bridges, but construction will now proceed at both Geeta Colony/Gandhi Nagar and Ramesh Park/Laxmi Nagar locations. The parking facilities and beautification work are already underway. Solar panel installation is ongoing along the elevated stretch.