Delhi is preparing to overhaul more than 400 kilometres of its road network by March next year as part of an ambitious redevelopment programme aimed at improving mobility, safety and environmental performance across the city. The initiative, overseen by the Public Works Department (PWD), combines Central Road Fund (CRF) resources with state financing to speed up delivery and ensure consistent upgrades across major corridors.
According to officials involved in the planning process, the dual-funding model enables rapid sanctioning of works while maintaining uniform standards for design, materials and monitoring. Of the total approved length, nearly 301 kilometres will be upgraded through CRF allocations, while about 101 kilometres will be financed directly by the Delhi government. The approach, senior engineers said, is intended to remove long-standing bottlenecks that often arise when departments rely on a single funding channel.
The CRF-backed component focuses largely on arterial stretches that carry heavy daily traffic. These include the Eastern Approach Road in Wazirabad, major links in northeast Delhi, the Seelampur–Shastri Park corridor and segments of Karawal Nagar Road. Tendering for several of these segments has already begun, with completion targeted before the end of the financial year. Officials noted that improving these corridors is essential not only for easing congestion but also for reducing vehicular emissions through smoother traffic flow an increasingly critical priority for Delhi’s broader climate goals.State-funded works will cover a mix of primary and neighbourhood roads across south, central and outer Delhi. These projects include improvements along C R Park, the Sheikh Sarai–Panchsheel stretch, Mandir Marg–Karol Bagh and parts of Khel Gaon Marg. Many of these roads are key connectors for residential areas and commercial clusters, and planners said the upgrades will integrate new drainage, footpaths and essential safety features rather than relying on surface repairs alone.
A senior official overseeing the initiative said the administration has introduced real-time monitoring systems, zonal supervision and stricter compliance with updated PWD specifications. Quality checks will be mandatory at all stages, from material procurement to final inspection. The official added that accountability frameworks have been tightened to avoid delays an issue that has historically undermined urban infrastructure projects in the capital.
The PWD also confirmed that integrated works such as stormwater drainage and pedestrian infrastructure will be executed alongside the road redevelopment programme.
This is expected to reduce flooding during the monsoon and support safer, more accessible mobility for all users, especially women, older adults and people with disabilities. Urban planners note that such integrated upgrades are essential for cities aiming for equitable and low-carbon development.With most projects expected to conclude by March, authorities said residents should see “visible improvements” in the quality of roads and overall commuting experience. While the timeline is demanding, experts believe the initiative if executed effectively could offer a model for future road modernisation efforts in Indian cities seeking cleaner, climate-resilient and people-focused infrastructure.
Delhi Govt Targets World-Class Roads With Redevelopment Push Across 400-Km Key Stretch
