Delhi Traffic Decongestion Projects Postponed Due to Funding Issues

Delhi, August 8, 2024: The Public Works Department (PWD) has decided to postpone several major traffic decongestion projects in Delhi until it receives in-principle approval for the required funds from the Finance Department of the Delhi government. These ambitious projects, aimed at making the capital free of traffic jams, have been delayed due to a lack of financial resources.

Among the significant projects are the East-West Corridor, North-South Corridor, the Ring Road Highway from Signature Bridge to DND, and a 2.75 km long flyover from IIT to Mehrauli on Aurobindo Marg. Although the blueprints for these projects were prepared years ago, they have remained confined to files due to various reasons, primarily the lack of funds. PWD officials emphasize that a substantial amount of money is needed to complete these projects, and they will only proceed when the availability of funds is ensured.

The North-South Corridor, estimated to cost ₹6,500 crore, will stretch 19 kilometers from Zakhira to Urban Extension Road-2 on the western side of IGI Airport, featuring two tunnels and an elevated corridor. This project aims to provide a seamless route for residents of North Delhi to travel to the south.

The East-West Corridor, estimated at ₹4,100 crore, has been pending for many years. This corridor, proposed between Anand Vihar and Tikri Border, will include both tunnel and elevated sections, passing through major roads like New Patparganj Road, Noida Link Road, Ring Road, and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg. It aims to connect East Delhi to New Delhi Railway Station.

Additional pending projects include the construction of a ring road highway from Signature Bridge to DND, featuring a six-kilometer double-decker section for high-speed and low-speed vehicles. Another project involves constructing a 400-meter long six-lane underpass near IIT on Aurobindo Marg, along with a 3.25-kilometer six-lane corridor to alleviate daily traffic jams.

The total estimated cost for these projects exceeds ₹10,000 crore. PWD officials have stated that without guaranteed funding, these projects may ultimately be abandoned, leaving Delhi’s traffic congestion issues unresolved.