Delhi’s Chief Minister announced a comprehensive ₹1.25 lakh crore infrastructure initiative.
This ambitious plan encompasses a series of projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, reducing pollution, and modernising the city’s transport network. A 4.9-kilometre underground tunnel is set to be constructed between Shiv Murti on NH-48 and Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj. This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Mahipalpur and surrounding areas, providing a seamless route to Indira Gandhi International Airport. However, environmental concerns have been raised regarding the felling of approximately 417 trees and potential impacts on the local forest area. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has submitted a report to the Union Environment Ministry, which is expected to make a final decision on granting environmental clearance .
To further ease congestion, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to construct an elevated corridor connecting INA to Nelson Mandela Marg, extending to the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road. This project is expected to reduce traffic on the Ring Road and NH-48, providing a direct route for commuters heading to the airport and Gurgaon . The UER-II expressway, a semi-circular route on the western side of Delhi, is being expanded to improve connectivity between various parts of the city and reduce traffic congestion. The project includes the construction of spurs connecting to Bawana-Sonipat and Najafgarh-Bahadurgarh, as well as extensions linking to the Delhi-Dehradun and Delhi-Katra-Amritsar expressways.
To eliminate bottlenecks caused by railway crossings, NHAI has sanctioned ₹150 crore for the construction of RUBs and ROBs. These structures aim to improve traffic flow and reduce delays at critical junctions across the city. In line with the government’s commitment to sustainability, NHAI is exploring the installation of solar panels on elevated sections of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. Additionally, the reuse of solid waste and inert construction materials in road construction is being promoted to reduce landfill waste and lower carbon emissions .
While these infrastructure projects hold the promise of transforming Delhi’s transport landscape, they also present challenges, particularly concerning environmental impact and displacement of residents. It is crucial that the implementation of these projects balances development with sustainability, ensuring that the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks. The success of this ₹1.25 lakh crore initiative will depend on transparent planning, community engagement, and adherence to environmental safeguards.
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