The Delhi High Court has directed the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to file affidavits detailing the steps taken to address traffic-related grievances arising from the non-operational U-turn on a road stretch in Delhi.

A Bench comprising of Acting Chief JusticeNitin Wasudeo Sambra and Justice Sanjay Sharma was informed that a red light had been closed in 2021, forcing commuters to travel nearly 8 km to take a U-turn. Counsel for the petitioner submitted that around 8,000 vehicles were affected by the arrangement, leading to increased traffic congestion and environmental concerns.

The petitioner relied on a Delhi High Court order dated May 1, 2023, passed in Anjali v. PWD , in which the State Government had reportedly assured the Court that construction of the U-turn would be completed within two months. Counsel submitted that the U-turn should have become operational by August 2023, but the order had allegedly not been complied with despite subsequent representations to the authorities.

In response, counsel appearing for the PWD stated that the road was presently with the NHAI. The Court directed the Additional Chief Secretary/Secretary, PWD, to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken in response to the complaints within four weeks. The NHAI, through its Project Director, was also directed to file an affidavit explaining how the issue raised in the petition could be addressed within the same period.

During the hearing, Advocate Sudhir Mishra appearing for the Petitioner also requested that the temporary barricades at the previously operational red light be removed in the interim to provide relief to commuters.

However, the Court refused to grant any interim relief.