The Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi has rolled out a comprehensive, multi-crore plan to transform parts of the Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency. The phased project, with a budget exceeding ₹7.8 crore, aims to address both aesthetic and critical infrastructure needs, moving beyond mere beautification to integrated urban improvement.
Art Meets Infrastructure: A Dual-Pronged Approach
A significant part of the initiative focuses on cultural upliftment through public art. The department has allocated ₹84.5 lakh specifically for creating theme-based and traditional folk art paintings on boundary walls across key roads. These include Canal Road, Swami Shraddhanand Saraswati Marg, Shalimar Chowk, Haiderpur Main Road, and sections of Ring Road within the constituency.
Officials state that these murals will replace walls that are currently faded, damaged, or marred by graffiti. The objective is to offer commuters and residents a cleaner, more visually appealing streetscape. The final artwork, rooted in approved traditional themes, will require clearance from the engineer-in-charge. An official highlighted an added benefit, noting, "Apart from improving the appearance, the painted walls are also expected to reduce random defacement and illegal poster pasting, a recurring problem along major corridors."
Core Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades
The larger share of the investment, however, is dedicated to enhancing daily mobility and public safety. A major component involves ₹3.8 crore for road widening and constructing a protection wall along the canal near AP Block and DDA Park in Shalimar Bagh. This work aims to ease traffic congestion on a busy stretch while simultaneously fortifying the canal's edge to prevent erosion and subsequent road damage.
The road upgrades will include resurfacing and the application of reflective lane markings. For pedestrian safety, kerb stones will be installed, and tactile tiles will be laid on footpaths to assist visually impaired citizens. These measures are designed to improve both safety and comfort in an area with steady traffic flow.
Tackling Waterlogging and Improving Visibility
In a separate but related project, PWD has sanctioned ₹3.1 crore for constructing a service road, a retaining wall, and a drainage system along Ring Road near AC Block, Shalimar Bagh. This stretch has been plagued by recurrent waterlogging during monsoon seasons, disrupting both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
This project also includes the installation of LED streetlights, which is anticipated to significantly improve nighttime visibility and overall road safety. Officials suggest that better lighting could also act as a deterrent against encroachments on public land.
Collectively, these projects signal a strategic shift in urban development for the area. An official explained, "Taken together, the works reflect a shift from standalone beautification to linked upgrades that address appearance, accessibility, and basic infrastructure at the same time." While the transformation will be phased, the intended outcome is to make daily travel smoother, streets safer, and public spaces more functional and welcoming for the residents of Shalimar Bagh.
