Delhi Government Intensifies Monitoring of 232 Priority Infrastructure Projects
The Delhi government has initiated a comprehensive monitoring system for 232 priority projects, with a significant emphasis on nearly 150 major initiatives under the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). This move aims to ensure timely execution and address long-standing delays in critical infrastructure works.
Key Departments and Projects Under Scrutiny
The projects span multiple departments, including the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Public Works Department (PWD), Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (Dusib), Trade and Taxes, Excise, Forest and Wildlife Departments, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. At a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, senior officers provided detailed updates on planning status, approvals, tenders, award of work, execution progress, and expected timelines.
All departments have been instructed to upload details of projects costing more than Rs 5 crore onto the Delhi Project Monitoring Group (PMG) portal within 10 days. This directive is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability in project management.
Focus on Delhi Jal Board's Water-Related Initiatives
Nearly 150 of the reviewed projects belong to the DJB, highlighting the government's focus on water infrastructure. These projects include the upgrading of sewage treatment plants (STPs), laying of trunk sewer lines, and Yamuna rejuvenation efforts. Officials noted that many of these projects had been stalled over the past three years due to financial constraints, pending No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and other procedural issues.
However, with funds becoming available after July 2025, execution has accelerated significantly. A senior DJB official stated, "Around 232 priority projects across departments were reviewed by the Chief Minister, including nearly 150 major water-related ones of Delhi Jal Board." The recent review meeting was conducted by the Chief Secretary following deliberations with the Chief Minister, and a separate detailed meeting with DJB officials was convened to assess bottlenecks and timelines.
Notable Projects from NDMC and Other Departments
Among the NDMC's prominent heritage initiatives under review is the conservation and redevelopment of the iconic Gole Market building, which is being transformed into a Veerangana Museum. This project, initially estimated at Rs 21.67 crore and later revised to Rs 26.48 crore, includes the construction of a service block and a subway.
Other NDMC infrastructure projects that were examined include:
- Supply and laying of low-tension cables with feeder pillars in Lodhi Colony at a cost of approximately Rs 9.28 crore.
- Installation and commissioning of 33 kV GIS high-tension panels at a receiving station on BKS Marg for about Rs 6.24 crore.
A major housing initiative also figures among the priority projects: the construction of 160 Type-III NGS flats at Pushp Vihar, Sector 1, complete with basement parking and community facilities, estimated to cost over Rs 105 crore.
Emphasis on Timely Implementation and Reporting
The Chief Secretary stressed the necessity for timely implementation and directed all departments to adhere strictly to established timelines. Principal executing agencies have been mandated to submit regular status reports to ensure continuous oversight and prompt resolution of any issues that may arise during project execution.
This proactive approach by the Delhi government underscores its commitment to accelerating infrastructure development and addressing urban challenges through coordinated efforts across various departments.
