Delhi Government Greenlights Rs 125 Crore Drainage Overhaul in North Delhi
In a significant move to address chronic waterlogging issues, the Delhi government has granted financial approval for three major drain remodelling projects in North Delhi, with a total budget of Rs 125 crore. This initiative targets key stretches along Ring Road and Outer Ring Road, covering approximately 25 kilometers, to mitigate the severe traffic disruptions and safety hazards caused by monsoon flooding.
Key Project Details and Strategic Focus
The approved projects will focus on remodelling the storm water drainage system in critical areas that connect Central Delhi via Civil Lines, Kashmere Gate, and ITO to Outer Delhi. Currently, these stretches experience frequent flooding during monsoons, leading to extensive traffic jams and route diversions, particularly impacting movement up to ITO. The Public Works Department (PWD) has proposed these enhancements as part of a broader, citywide strategy.
PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh emphasized that the projects are aligned with the Delhi Drainage Master Plan 2025, which advocates for a coordinated and integrated approach rather than isolated fixes. He stated, "These projects form part of a structured effort to resolve long-standing infrastructure gaps. We are moving away from ad-hoc arrangements to ensure durable, well-planned improvements that address waterlogging systematically."
Specific Stretches and Broader Implications
The remodelling work will be carried out on three primary stretches:
- A 7.7-kilometer stretch from Azadpur H-Point to Mukarba Chowk on Mall Road Extension.
- Another stretch from Camp Chowk to Azadpur H-Point.
- Areas including Model Town I, II, and III.
Minister Singh highlighted the importance of adequate funding for permanent solutions, noting, "This financial commitment demonstrates the government's shift from temporary measures to planned investments in infrastructure. Repeated waterlogging not only disrupts daily life but also damages roads, hampers emergency responses, and poses risks to pedestrians and commuters."
Master Plan Vision and Future Outlook
The Drainage Master Plan 2025 is designed to tackle waterlogging through a holistic, citywide framework. Singh explained, "Drainage cannot be fixed in fragments. The master plan ensures logical water flow management across connected stretches, preventing one area from suffering due to neglect in another." This approach aims to create a resilient drainage network that can withstand monsoon challenges, thereby improving overall urban mobility and safety in Delhi.
With this approval, the Delhi government signals a proactive stance on infrastructure development, targeting enhanced public convenience and reduced environmental impact in the capital's northern regions.
