Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Unveils Comprehensive Development Blueprint for National Capital
New Delhi: In a significant address marking Republic Day celebrations, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented an extensive roadmap for Delhi's transformation, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vision 2047 for a developed India. Speaking at the state-level ceremony held at Chhatrasal Stadium after unfurling the national flag and taking the parade salute, Gupta detailed multi-sectoral initiatives spanning transportation, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare.
Revolutionizing Public Transport with Electric Mobility and Metro Expansion
The Chief Minister announced a groundbreaking plan to completely electrify Delhi's public bus fleet within three years. This ambitious initiative will introduce approximately 11,000 electric buses across the city, supported by comprehensive infrastructure including new charging stations and modern bus depots. Simultaneously, the Delhi Metro network is set for substantial expansion, with plans to extend it to 500 kilometers. The government has allocated an increased budget of Rs 5,000 crore for this Metro expansion project.
To enhance last-mile connectivity, the administration will deploy electric buses, electric autos, and electric taxis, creating an integrated green transportation ecosystem. These measures represent a significant step toward reducing urban congestion and improving air quality in the national capital.
Infrastructure Development and Urban Decongestion Projects
Presenting her government's 11-month performance report, Gupta emphasized a doubled capital expenditure for the 2025-26 fiscal year, reflecting a strong commitment to infrastructure development. Key projects highlighted include:
- The Dwarka Expressway
- Urban Extension Road-2
- The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway
- Construction of multiple flyovers, underpasses, and elevated roads
These infrastructure initiatives are specifically designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve urban mobility. Additionally, under the Safe City Project, Delhi will see the installation of 10,000 new CCTV cameras and 100,000 smart LED street lights across various locations, enhancing public safety and urban lighting.
Healthcare Transformation Through the 3-A Model
Gupta identified healthcare as a core priority, introducing the 3-A model: advanced, affordable, and accessible healthcare. The government is establishing new hospital blocks, critical care units, and public health laboratories to strengthen medical infrastructure. Currently, over 300 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across Delhi, providing essential healthcare services.
The administration has achieved significant milestones in digital health, with more than 1 crore ABHA IDs created and online OPD services launched for patient convenience. Under the Ayushman Bharat and Vay Vandana schemes, 6 lakh registrations have been completed, with 20,000 patients already benefiting from these healthcare programs.
To bolster healthcare staffing and equipment, recruitment drives for doctors, nurses, and paramedics are underway, along with the addition of ambulances and dialysis machines to healthcare facilities.
Education Reforms and Infrastructure Development
The education sector receives substantial attention in the government's agenda, with 21% of the 2025-26 budget allocated to educational initiatives. Gupta highlighted the implementation of the Delhi School Education Act, 2025, which aims to prevent arbitrary fee hikes in private schools, ensuring more affordable education for families.
Government schools across Delhi are undergoing significant upgrades, including:
- Development of smart classrooms with digital technology
- Establishment of digital libraries with extensive resources
- Modernization of science and computer laboratories
- Enhancement of sports facilities and infrastructure
An ultra-modern education hub is being constructed in Narela with an investment of Rs 1,300 crore, promising state-of-the-art learning facilities. The government is also providing scholarships and free laptops to meritorious students, encouraging academic excellence and digital literacy.
Social Welfare and Community Development Initiatives
Addressing social welfare, Gupta detailed the expansion of Atal Canteens, which currently provide meals at just Rs 5 to over 50,000 people daily across 50 locations. The government aims to scale this initiative to benefit 1 lakh beneficiaries, ensuring affordable nutrition for vulnerable populations.
For urban development in informal settlements, the administration has allocated Rs 700 crore for development work in jhuggi-jhopri clusters. This funding will cover essential civic infrastructure improvements, including water supply, sanitation, drainage, and road connectivity, enhancing living conditions in these communities.
The comprehensive development agenda presented by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reflects a holistic approach to transforming Delhi into a modern, sustainable, and inclusive metropolis, with measurable targets and substantial budgetary allocations across critical sectors.
