Delhi’s waste management and clean energy infrastructure, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has taken a major step forward in the construction of the city’s fifth waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in Narela.
A crucial tripartite agreement has been formalised with Power Grid Corporation of India and Delhi Transco Limited to shift high-voltage transmission lines currently obstructing the project site — a move expected to expedite the much-delayed project. Once operational, the Narela WTE plant will process an estimated 3,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day, substantially easing the city’s mounting landfill burden while contributing to renewable energy goals. The facility, planned at an estimated cost of ₹604 crore, is designed to run for at least 25 years under a public-private operational model. The agency managing a similar facility in Okhla has been tasked with the plant’s long-term functioning.
The strategic location of the project had posed a formidable challenge due to the presence of three 400 kV transmission lines — one managed by Delhi Transco and two by Power Grid. These lines posed safety and logistical risks to construction and future operations. Under the agreement, these lines will be consolidated into multi-circuit towers, enabling a seamless progression of construction activities. Power Grid will carry out the tower integration, while the associated capital costs will be borne by MCD, according to senior municipal officials. Officials involved in the project emphasised the urgency of the structural modifications, noting that uninterrupted power supply and safety were critical priorities. The clearing of the transmission corridor is expected to remove the final physical obstacle delaying construction, with project planners now focusing on environmental approvals.
This agreement comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling that backed the MCD’s tariff structure for the project. The apex court overturned a previous order from the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), which had rejected the ₹7.38/kWh power tariff endorsed by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission. The favourable verdict has allowed MCD to issue a formal work order for the facility. The Supreme Court’s ruling also affirmed MCD’s authority in tariff determination, giving the green light to proceed with critical infrastructure projects without bureaucratic overreach. In light of this, the commissioner — currently empowered with standing committee rights for six key solid waste processing projects — cleared the way for the Narela plant’s work order.
However, construction at the site will begin only after obtaining environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Environmental experts and officials noted that the approval process could take time but expressed optimism that the documentation was already in progress. The Narela WTE plant is part of Delhi’s broader strategy to transition towards a circular economy that reduces dependence on landfills. The city currently generates over 11,000 tonnes of waste per day, with existing WTE plants operating under intense capacity pressure. By adding this fifth facility, the municipal body aims to decentralise waste processing, improve energy recovery rates, and reduce emissions linked to untreated waste. Urban planners and climate experts view the move as a step in the right direction. However, concerns remain over the environmental performance of existing WTE facilities in Delhi, particularly with regard to emissions compliance and community health impacts. Public interest advocates have repeatedly urged authorities to ensure that the new facility adheres to the highest environmental standards and includes robust monitoring mechanisms.
If implemented sustainably, the Narela WTE plant could become a blueprint for large-scale waste processing in urban India. It offers the promise of reducing Delhi’s landfill dependence, cutting methane emissions, and producing green power that can be fed into the local grid — all while creating long-term employment opportunities. Yet, the success of the plant will depend heavily on timely clearances, community support, and strict adherence to emission norms. It remains to be seen whether Delhi’s push towards waste-to-energy can truly align with environmental sustainability and social equity in the years to come.
Delhi Fast-Tracks Narela Waste Plant After Key Infrastructure Pact is Signed
