Delhi BJP MPs Propose Major Road Projects to Ease Traffic and Cut Pollution
Delhi, a group of BJP MPs from the capital has presented four major infrastructure proposals to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. These proposals were discussed during a recent meeting between the MPs and Gadkari, and they are aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing air pollution in the city.
One of the key proposals is the construction of an underground tunnel connecting Shiv Murti to Nelson Mandela Marg. This tunnel would significantly cut down the travel time between Indira Gandhi International Airport and central Delhi, reducing it to just 7-8 minutes. This would provide a much-needed alternative to the heavily congested roads, particularly in the areas surrounding the airport, alleviating traffic bottlenecks and improving the overall movement of vehicles. Another significant proposal involves the extension of the Delhi-Katra Expressway, which would link it to both the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and Urban Extension Road (UER) 2. This extension is expected to create a direct route between Delhi and Gurgaon, ensuring faster and more efficient travel between the two cities while bypassing the congested roads in the city’s core. Similarly, a third proposal aims to build an expressway linking UER 2 at Alipur to Tronica City in Uttar Pradesh. This would divert Haryana-bound traffic away from Delhi, reducing congestion in the capital’s already overcrowded streets, and also facilitate smoother commutes for those travelling to and from neighbouring states.
The fourth proposal calls for an eastern extension of UER 2, which would provide a direct route from Dehradun to Noida and Ghaziabad without passing through Delhi. This extension is expected to significantly reduce the volume of traffic passing through the city, especially for those travelling to or from Uttar Pradesh, further easing congestion. During a press conference, Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and East Delhi MP, underlined the urgency of these projects in addressing the twin challenges of pollution and traffic congestion. According to Malhotra, the proposed infrastructure would help manage the growing volume of vehicles entering Delhi from neighbouring states, easing congestion while reducing the number of vehicles on the city’s roads, which are major contributors to air pollution. Additionally, these projects are seen as integral to improving the city’s overall transportation infrastructure, which would not only make commuting more convenient but also help regulate traffic from neighbouring regions.
South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri also weighed in, stressing the importance of these proposals in alleviating life-threatening pollution and traffic jams. He highlighted that the new infrastructure would help better regulate the number of vehicles entering Delhi from surrounding areas, improving traffic flow and ensuring cleaner air for residents. Malhotra also took the opportunity to mention several infrastructure achievements under the leadership of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the past decade, India has seen the laying of over 55,000 km of national highways, drastically improving connectivity across the country. Malhotra specifically pointed out the near completion of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, which will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, and the already functional Delhi-Meerut Expressway, which has started to alleviate congestion. He also mentioned the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which will reduce travel time between Delhi and Mumbai from 36 hours to just 12, exemplifying the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure nationwide.
These road infrastructure proposals are not just about addressing immediate traffic woes but are also designed with long-term goals in mind. They aim to foster sustainable urban growth by enhancing connectivity while reducing the reliance on vehicles entering Delhi from neighbouring states. In doing so, these initiatives are expected to contribute to more sustainable transport systems in the capital, relieving pressure on Delhi’s already overstretched infrastructure and supporting its long-term development plans. As these proposals are developed, they will be integrated with ongoing efforts to tackle pollution and congestion, which are among the most pressing challenges for Delhi. The expansion of the city’s road infrastructure is seen as a key component in enhancing urban mobility and ensuring that Delhi remains a liveable city amidst its growing population. The four infrastructure proposals by Delhi’s BJP MPs represent a comprehensive plan to address two of the city’s most persistent issues—traffic congestion and pollution. If these projects are implemented, they will not only enhance connectivity and reduce travel times but also contribute to the city’s environmental goals by reducing vehicle emissions. As the initiatives take shape, they promise to make commuting in Delhi more efficient and sustainable, benefiting residents and visitors alike.