July 22, 2025 — The Rail Bhawan intersection in Central Delhi is set to undergo a major redesign aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving pedestrian safety. The decision follows a comprehensive road safety audit that highlighted multiple concerns at the busy junction, including unregulated U-turns, erratic traffic flow, and unsafe pedestrian crossings.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has announced that the intersection will be restructured with a focus on channelized lanes, regulated parking, and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure. The redesign plan includes dedicated turn lanes, improved zebra crossings, bollards, and fencing to prevent jaywalking and ensure safer movement for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Located in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, the Rail Bhawan intersection is a critical point in the city’s road network, handling high volumes of daily traffic. Officials said that the redesign will address long-standing issues such as disorganized vehicle movement and poorly managed curbside parking, both of which have been contributing to frequent bottlenecks and safety hazards.
According to the road safety audit conducted under the Delhi Road Safety Action Plan, the intersection was marked as a high-risk zone due to its complex geometry and lack of structured traffic regulation. The audit emphasized the need for immediate intervention to reduce conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians.
“The new design will streamline traffic, eliminate unsafe U-turns, and prioritize pedestrian movement,” a senior PWD official stated. “Our goal is to reduce accidents and ensure smoother mobility in this high-density area.”
The project is being carried out in coordination with Delhi Traffic Police and urban mobility experts to ensure the final layout adheres to modern safety standards and urban design principles. Traffic simulations and stakeholder consultations are also being conducted as part of the redesign process.
Urban planning experts have lauded the initiative, noting that localized improvements such as intersection redesigns can have a substantial impact on city-wide traffic flow and road safety. “Such interventions, though seemingly small, are essential in building a safer and more efficient transport network,” said Dr. R.K. Mehra, a senior urban planner.
The redesign of the Rail Bhawan intersection is part of a larger effort by the Delhi government to improve road safety infrastructure across the capital. Several other critical intersections are also being evaluated for similar upgrades in the coming months.
