Thousands of daily commuters in the National Capital Region (NCR) can soon expect major relief, as the long-awaited Third Ring Road of Delhi — the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) — is set to become operational by August 2025. With 95% of construction work already completed, the project marks a significant leap in addressing Delhi’s chronic traffic congestion and ensuring smoother intercity connectivity.
What is UER-II?
UER-II is a 74-km-long, six-lane expressway being developed under the Delhi Master Plan 2021. Starting from Alipur (NH-44) in North Delhi, it stretches all the way to Mahipalpur (NH-48) near the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, connecting major zones including Bawana, Rohini, Mundka, Najafgarh, Dwarka, and Bakkarwala. Initially a joint initiative of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the project was later designated a national highway, with a budget of approximately ₹8,000 crore.
Major Travel and Environmental Benefits
Once open, UER-II will function as a modern, signal-free corridor that takes pressure off the Inner and Outer Ring Roads of Delhi. It is projected to reduce travel time by up to 60% to key hubs such as IGI Airport, offering a smoother and faster alternative to congested city routes.
The expressway will also act as a freight and long-distance traffic bypass, preventing heavy vehicles from clogging inner Delhi roads. This is expected to not only improve traffic flow but also reduce vehicular emissions, fuel usage, and urban air pollution.
Seamless Regional Connectivity
One of the key highlights of UER-II is its seamless integration with several major expressways, including:
Delhi-Meerut Expressway
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway
Delhi-Jaipur Expressway (NH-48)
Dwarka Expressway
It will also bridge the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways, enabling quicker movement between Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and other NCR towns without needing to pass through city interiors.
Boost to Local Development
Beyond easing commutes, UER-II is set to transform connectivity for localities like Narela, Bawana, Najafgarh, and Rohini, offering signal-free access to key business zones, urban centers, and the airport. The enhanced road network is expected to encourage economic development, real estate growth, and urban expansion in these peripheral areas.
With completion targeted for August 2025, UER-II is poised to become one of Delhi’s most important infrastructure projects, revolutionizing travel and logistics across the NCR.
