Delhi Seeks ₹1,500 Crore Through Central Funds to Fix Roads and Cut Congestion
In a renewed push to improve urban mobility and address chronic traffic bottlenecks, Delhi officials have requested ₹1,500 crore from the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) to support a new wave of road repair and decongestion projects. The proposal, submitted during a high-level meeting chaired by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, seeks to modernise key city corridors and build climate-resilient infrastructure that can keep pace with the capital’s growing transport demands. Officials are now preparing a priority list of projects to secure approval.
The capital’s road infrastructure is in urgent need of upgrades, as recurring potholes, damaged stretches, and ineffective drainage systems continue to disrupt daily commutes and logistics. In this context, the funding proposal represents more than a financial ask—it is a plea for long-overdue structural change. The city’s existing road network, while expansive, suffers from poor design and maintenance gaps that worsen during monsoon seasons and high-traffic hours. Officials argue that with targeted investment, key routes could be redeveloped with sustainable materials and designs that improve flow, safety, and resilience. What sets this appeal apart is its explicit focus on decongestion, not just repair. City engineers have drawn up preliminary plans to reconfigure junctions, widen arterial roads, and introduce pedestrian-friendly solutions like elevated crossings and green walkways.
These interventions are intended to curb carbon emissions, enhance commuter safety, and support the city’s broader climate goals. Experts from transport think tanks note that road modernisation—when done equitably and sustainably—can transform mobility and reduce the environmental toll of daily traffic. The proposal also reflects an intent to shift from short-term patchwork fixes to long-term infrastructure planning. By aligning with the national government’s CRIF mechanism, Delhi officials hope to fast-track multi-year projects that were previously stalled due to budget constraints. More importantly, the appeal signals a readiness to integrate urban planning with climate action and economic growth. If granted, the ₹1,500 crore could mark a turning point in how the capital reshapes its urban landscape.
As the Ministry for Road Transport and Highways reviews Delhi’s priority list, civic groups and urban planners are watching closely. The success of this funding push could set a precedent for other Indian metros battling similar issues. In a city where mobility remains one of the biggest daily challenges, sustainable infrastructure investment is no longer optional—it is essential for inclusive growth, cleaner air, and a more equitable future.
