By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: In a major boost to Delhi’s road infrastructure, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved road-strengthening projects worth ₹657.99 crore aimed at upgrading more than 270 km of key roads across East, North and South Delhi.
The approval was granted at a meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) chaired by the Chief Minister on Wednesday. The ambitious initiative is expected to enhance road quality, safety and durability while bringing critical stretches up to modern engineering standards.
Under the project, 58.29 km of roads in East Delhi will be upgraded at a cost of ₹147.08 crore, while 104.42 km in North Delhi and 107.92 km in South Delhi will be strengthened with investments of ₹247.31 crore and ₹263.61 crore, respectively.
Calling it a significant step towards building a world-class road network, Rekha Gupta said the government is committed to delivering stronger, safer and longer-lasting roads through the use of advanced technology, modern machinery and reputed construction firms.
In a first for the Capital, the government will adopt a zone-wise composite tendering system instead of the conventional road-wise model. The move is expected to improve execution efficiency, strengthen quality control and ensure greater accountability for maintenance.
The project includes cold milling, Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM), Bituminous Concrete (BC), road markings, safety installations, signages and improved drainage infrastructure. All roads will be covered by a five-year Defect Liability Period, with potholes required to be repaired within 48 hours during the maintenance period.
To ensure transparency, project progress will be monitored through digital platforms with geo-tagged photographs uploaded at every stage of execution. Independent quality audits will also be conducted by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute and School of Planning and Architecture.
The Chief Minister said the initiative goes beyond road construction, with strict compliance to air-quality and dust-control norms prescribed by the Commission for Air Quality Management. Better roads, she noted, will not only ensure smoother travel but also contribute to reducing dust pollution and improving Delhi’s urban environment.
The government has set an October deadline for completion of the project, positioning it as one of the Capital’s largest road infrastructure upgrades in recent years.
