Delhi Budget Greenlights Major Infrastructure Overhaul to Combat Traffic Woes
In a significant move aimed at transforming the capital's transportation network, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the state budget on Tuesday, approving a slew of high-impact infrastructure projects. The initiatives are designed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion and enhance mobility across some of Delhi's most congested corridors, with a strong emphasis on flyovers, underpasses, and signal-free stretches.
Key Projects and Financial Allocations
The budget has sanctioned two major flyover projects with a combined cost of Rs 371 crore. Of this, Rs 150 crore has been earmarked for the current fiscal year, with both projects targeted for completion within 24 to 30 months. The Public Works Department (PWD) has prepared detailed plans to ensure efficient execution.
Modi Mill Flyover Expansion: This project involves extending the existing flyover up to Kalkaji, covering a length of 1.5 kilometers. It will feature six lanes with nine-meter-wide carriageways on each side, complemented by medians, crash barriers, and railings. The expansion will address critical intersections including Captain Gaur Marg, Maa Anand Mai Marg, Lotus Temple Road, Masjid Moth Road, and the Nehru Place bus depot, aiming to streamline traffic flow in this high-density area.
Savitri Cinema Junction Flyover: To tackle persistent bottlenecks affecting residents of Greater Kailash, C R Park, and GK-II, a 900-meter-long, one-way, three-lane grade separator will be constructed. The elevated structure will include 435 meters of raised roadway, seamless integration with the existing flyover, two ramps for entry and exit, dedicated bus bays, and redesigned junctions to improve pedestrian safety and traffic efficiency.
Gagan Cinema Underpass: With a sanctioned cost of Rs 99.3 crore, this four-lane underpass on Mangal Pandey Marg will span approximately 500 meters. Once completed, it will create a 10-kilometer signal-free stretch from Signature Bridge to Bhopura Chowk, offering commuters a smooth and uninterrupted ride.
Revival of Stalled Projects and Additional Initiatives
The budget also allocates Rs 210 crore to complete the long-pending Barapullah corridor, which has been stalled since 2016 due to bureaucratic delays and corruption under the previous government. This project is expected to be finalized by June 2026, providing a vital alternative route linking outer and west Delhi with major highways and extending connectivity to the Delhi-Haryana border near Gurgaon.
In a bid to revive other stalled initiatives, the government has proposed integrated flyovers at key locations such as Azadpur-Triplolia Gate, Ghanta Ghar station, Yamuna Vihar-Bhajanpura, Saket metro station, MB Road to LBS Marg, and elevated ramps connecting Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg to MB Road. These works, including several double-decker flyovers, are estimated to cost over Rs 2,000 crore, with Rs 575 crore allocated in the upcoming budget.
Broader Infrastructure and Civic Development
Beyond traffic solutions, the budget includes substantial allocations for broader urban development. Key highlights encompass:
- Rs 160 crore for road and drainage improvement in notified and non-conforming industrial areas.
- Rs 25 crore for constructing new foot overbridges to enhance pedestrian safety.
- Rs 453.9 crore for building 54 kilometers of roads along the Najafgarh drain.
- Rs 350 crore under the MLA-LAD scheme to empower lawmakers in prioritizing constituency-specific development projects.
- Rs 10 crore for extending an underpass near Mukarba Chowk to Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar.
- Rs 10 crore for an elevated road from Bhalswa to NH-1.
- Rs 100 crore for implementing 24/7 CCTV surveillance to bolster women's safety across the city.
- Rs 200 crore for drainage redevelopment under a new master plan.
- Rs 50 crore for replacing conventional streetlights with energy-efficient smart LED systems.
A total of Rs 1,392 crore has been earmarked for strengthening PWD roads throughout Delhi, underscoring a comprehensive approach to infrastructure enhancement.
Government's Vision and Statements
PWD Minister Parvesh Verma hailed the budget as historic, noting that it includes more schemes compared to previous years and addresses the needs of every section of society. "This budget focuses on making Delhi roads better, jam-free, and greener," Verma stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to sustainable urban mobility and improved quality of life for residents.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta echoed this sentiment, highlighting the budget's role in reviving stalled projects and injecting new momentum into Delhi's infrastructure landscape. The initiatives are poised to not only ease traffic congestion but also boost economic activity and connectivity across the National Capital Region.
