Delhi Government Greenlights Major Service Roads Project Along Najafgarh Drain
In a significant move to enhance urban mobility, the Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has granted financial approval for the construction of service roads along both sides of the Najafgarh drain. This initiative aims to boost connectivity in outer Delhi and address long-standing traffic issues.
Project Details and Financial Approval
The estimated construction cost for this ambitious project is Rs 453.95 crore, which was officially sanctioned during the Expenditure and Finance Committee (E&FC) meeting chaired by Chief Minister Gupta. The project had previously received approval from Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh in December last year at a board meeting, as the drain and its surrounding area fall under the jurisdiction of the Irrigation and Flood Control department (I&FC).
Objectives and Benefits
Chief Minister Gupta outlined the primary goals of the project, emphasizing its potential to transform Delhi's transport landscape. The service roads are designed to reduce congestion on major arterial routes, significantly cut down travel time and fuel consumption, and lower vehicular emissions. By developing an alternative intra-city route, the corridor will provide a new direction for Delhi's transport infrastructure, offering a more efficient and sustainable travel option for residents.
Infrastructure Specifications
Under the project, a paved road approximately 61 kilometers long and seven meters wide will be constructed along the Najafgarh Drain. This two-lane road will be complemented by separate tracks dedicated to walking, jogging, and cycling, promoting active lifestyles and enhancing safety for non-motorized transport users.
Connectivity with Key Routes
The new corridor will seamlessly integrate with several major roads across Delhi, including:
- Outer Ring Road
- Inner Ring Road
- Shivaji Marg
- Pankha Road
- UER-II (connecting to NH-9 Rohtak Road)
- Najafgarh Road
Specific linkage points include Basaidarapur with the Inner Ring Road, Keshopur with the Outer Ring Road, Vikaspuri with Pankha Road, Kakrola with Najafgarh Road, and Dhulsiras with UER-II. This connectivity will enable direct access to critical destinations such as the airport and the Dwarka Expressway, further streamlining travel across the capital.
Timeline and Implementation
The Delhi government has set a clear timeline for the project's execution. Key milestones include:
- Granting necessary administrative approvals by March 2026
- Completing the tendering process by April 2026
- Commencing construction by May 2026
- Targeting project completion by November 2027
This structured approach ensures that the project progresses efficiently, with the aim of delivering tangible benefits to Delhi's residents within the stipulated timeframe.
