Nitin Gadkari Unveils ₹ 1 Lakh Crore Infrastructure Plans to Transform Delhi
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, revealed that the Union government will undertake projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore over the next two years to revamp Delhi’s infrastructure. These initiatives aim to tackle the city’s persistent traffic congestion, air pollution, and other infrastructural challenges. The comprehensive plans, according to Gadkari, will not only enhance the city’s roads but also aim to improve the quality of life for its residents.
The Union Minister stated that the government is already working on a project worth Rs 65,000 crore, with Rs 33,000 crore worth of work already completed. The remaining Rs 32,000 crore will be invested in upcoming initiatives that promise to transform Delhi’s infrastructure significantly. Among these, Gadkari highlighted the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ ongoing efforts to alleviate Delhi’s traffic woes and curb air pollution. Delhi has long struggled with poor air quality, largely attributed to the high number of vehicles running on fossil fuels. A significant contributor to the pollution is the city’s notorious traffic jams. Gadkari confirmed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is determined to tackle these issues. The introduction of electric buses, CNG vehicles, and efforts to reduce emissions from fossil fuel-powered cars are all part of the plan to bring down pollution levels in the city. The goal is to reduce Delhi’s air pollution by 40 percent in five years.
In his conversation, Gadkari also addressed the ongoing efforts to clean the Yamuna under the Namami Gange scheme. However, he pointed out that progress had been slowed due to the Delhi government’s failure to contribute its share of funding for certain projects. The central government’s commitment to the Yamuna cleaning efforts remains firm, though, and the minister vowed that this issue would be resolved in the coming months. In addition to air pollution and traffic decongestion, the government is working on innovative solutions to address stubble burning, a major contributor to seasonal pollution. Gadkari highlighted that there has been a 20 percent reduction in stubble burning in states like Punjab and Haryana. To further combat this issue, the government has initiated the creation of 400 plants that will convert stubble into usable resources like CNG, bio-vitamin, and ethanol. Out of these, 60 plants are already operational. One such plant in Panipat is expected to produce 1 lakh litres of ethanol from stubble, along with 150 tonnes of bio-vitamin and 78,000 tonnes of aviation fuel. These efforts will not only reduce pollution but also provide economic benefits by creating jobs, improving farmers’ welfare, and reducing dependence on imports.
The move to harness stubble for biofuels aligns with the broader vision of transforming waste into wealth, helping both the environment and the economy. As Gadkari puts it, the government is aiming to “free Delhi from pollution in the next five years,” with these initiatives serving as the foundation of a cleaner, more sustainable capital. Gadkari’s announcement reflects a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to solving the challenges faced by Delhi, where traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure have long hindered progress. The government’s determination to tackle these issues with large-scale projects, alongside innovations in energy production, promises a brighter future for Delhi’s residents. The planned Rs 1 lakh crore infrastructure overhaul in Delhi is an ambitious yet necessary step in addressing the city’s most pressing issues. The government’s focus on cleaner air, better roads, and sustainable energy solutions is set to significantly improve Delhi’s infrastructure, bringing relief to its millions of residents.
