New Delhi, July 26 -- Nearly two years past its original deadline, the project to build an underpass at Mukarba Chowk on Outer Ring Road - meant to ease traffic congestion at one of north Delhi's busiest intersections - is stuck at just 52% completion, after running into financial hurdles, said officials from the public works department (PWD). Launched in September 2022, the Rs.59.5 crore project was initially slated for completion within 12 months, by October 2023. However, a series of setbacks - including land disputes, utility relocations, and now a shortage of funds - has hampered progress. According to the latest PWD progress report, the land required from the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department has still not been paid for. "Payment for the land is yet to be made and the expenditure sanction for land payment of around Rs.8.5 crore is awaited. The progress of the construction work is affected due to non-availability of funds," the report stated. The underpass, connecting Badli to Haiderpur via Max Wali Road, is being constructed using the box pushing method - a trenchless construction technique that involves hydraulically jacking precast concrete boxes through the soil, minimising disruption to surface traffic. Of the two underpass boxes planned, one has been completed and pushed into position, while work on the second remains stalled. "The second concrete box has been pushed to a 20m section under the Outer Ring Road," an official said. The underpass is expected to offer significant relief to daily commuters travelling from Badli and adjoining colonies such as SGT Nagar toward Shalimar Bagh, Adarsh Nagar, and Azadpur. At present, these vehicles have to use a longer loop via the main Mukarba Chowk. Once completed, the new route is expected to cut travel distance by at least 1.5km and help reduce the load on both Outer Ring Road and GT Karnal Road. "The construction of the underpass on Maxwali Road will greatly benefit residents in this area. Right now, traffic gets badly jammed during peak hours. Even saving 10-15 minutes will make a big difference to daily commuters like us," said a commuter from SGT Nagar," said the official....