Delhi Government Greenlights Major Infrastructure Initiatives and Social Welfare Measures
In a significant move aimed at transforming urban mobility and enhancing social inclusivity, the Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved a series of pivotal decisions during a cabinet meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday. These approvals encompass two major road infrastructure projects designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity across the capital, alongside a progressive proposal for free bus travel for transgender persons and the announcement of the upcoming budget session schedule.
Barapullah Phase-III Elevated Corridor: A Game-Changer for Commuters
The cabinet has given the green light to the Barapullah Phase-III elevated corridor project, which has been sanctioned at a revised cost of Rs 1,635 crore. This ambitious initiative will extend the existing Barapullah corridor by connecting Mayur Vihar to Sarai Kale Khan, thereby establishing a seamless, signal-free link between Mayur Vihar in east Delhi and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in south Delhi. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that this project is set to be completed by June 30 of this year and is anticipated to significantly reduce travel time for lakhs of daily commuters. Furthermore, it is expected to ease congestion in critical areas such as Sarai Kale Khan, Ring Road, the DND Flyway, and National Highway-24, contributing to a more efficient traffic flow in these densely populated zones.
Mehrauli-Badarpur Road Elevated Corridor: Enhancing South Delhi Connectivity
In addition to the Barapullah project, the cabinet has approved another major infrastructure endeavor—a six-lane elevated corridor along the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, featuring multiple underpasses. With an estimated cost of Rs 1,471 crore, this project will be executed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and will stretch from Saket G-Block to Pul Prahladpur. The implementation will occur in two distinct phases to ensure systematic development and minimal disruption.
In the first phase, a double-decker integrated structure will be constructed between Saket and Sangam Vihar. This phase will include a six-lane elevated flyover, a six-lane underpass at Saket G-Block, an elevated ramp connecting the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor to the flyover, and a two-lane underpass linking MB Road with the corridor. The second phase will involve the construction of a nearly 2.5-kilometer-long six-lane elevated flyover from Maa Anandmayee Marg to Pul Prahladpur, which will run above the existing Delhi metro line.
Officials have highlighted that this project is poised to alleviate congestion on MB Road, one of the busiest corridors in south Delhi. Upon completion, traffic movement between key areas such as Saket, Ambedkar Nagar, Khanpur, Sangam Vihar, and Pul Prahladpur is expected to become significantly smoother, leading to a substantial reduction in travel time for residents and commuters alike. The cabinet has also directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to finalize the alignment of the remaining stretches of MB Road, including the sections from Sangam Vihar to Maa Anandmayee Marg and from Pul Prahladpur to Badarpur. Once this is accomplished, the entire corridor from Saket G-Block to Badarpur is projected to experience enhanced traffic flow, further supporting the government's vision for a modern and seamless infrastructure network in the capital.
Free Bus Travel for Transgender Persons: A Step Towards Inclusivity
Beyond infrastructure, the cabinet has approved a socially progressive proposal to extend the free bus travel scheme to transgender persons. This initiative will allow only residents of Delhi to travel free of cost on buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation and cluster buses managed by the transport department. The scheme will be implemented following the same pattern and mechanism as the existing free travel program available to women passengers on Delhi buses, ensuring a streamlined and equitable approach to public transportation accessibility.
Budget Session Schedule: Key Dates Announced
The cabinet has also finalized the schedule for the upcoming budget session of the Delhi assembly. The session is slated to be held from March 23 to March 25. During this period, the economic survey will be tabled in the House on March 23, followed by the presentation of the budget on March 24. These proceedings are crucial for outlining the government's fiscal policies and developmental priorities for the forthcoming year.
Collectively, these decisions underscore the Delhi government's commitment to building a modern, efficient, and inclusive urban environment. By investing in robust road infrastructure and promoting social welfare through accessible transportation, the administration aims to make commuting faster and more efficient for all Delhiites, while also fostering a more equitable society.
