Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced an ambitious ₹13,700 crore investment to enhance Delhi’s transport infrastructure and tackle pollution and congestion. The plan includes ₹12,500 crore in central funding and an additional ₹1,200 crore from the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), aiming to modernise urban mobility in the national capital.

Key Projects and Allocations

1. Delhi-Katra Expressway Connection
   • ₹2,500 crore will connect Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) to the Delhi-Katra Expressway via the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway (KMP).
   • Vehicles from Jammu, Kashmir, and Punjab will have improved access to the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
2. Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Link
   • ₹2,200 crore will ensure direct connectivity from UER-II near Alipur to the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway at Tronica City.
   • This will reduce travel times for commuters from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Dehradun.

Faster Commutes and Better Air Quality

The investment will significantly cut travel times. For instance, vehicles from Dehradun will reach the Indira Gandhi International Airport via UER-II and the Dwarka Expressway in just 45 minutes, down from 1.5 hours. Additionally, improved traffic flow is expected to reduce vehicular emissions, contributing to better air quality in Delhi.

Tunnel to Decongest Key Areas

A ₹3,500 crore, 5-km tunnel connecting Shiv Murti to Nelson Mandela Marg (Vasant Kunj) will be constructed to alleviate severe traffic congestion in the Mahipalpur and Rangpuri areas. This project will also establish a bypass linking East Delhi to Noida through the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, offering relief to daily commuters.

Comprehensive Connectivity Upgrades

North, North-West, and South-West Delhi will have direct access to Noida via Ghaziabad, thanks to a ₹4,400 crore investment aimed at streamlining traffic across the metropolitan area.

Future Plans for Delhi’s Transformation

Over the next two years, a staggering ₹1 lakh crore will be invested to revamp Delhi’s infrastructure. This large-scale development will address both mobility challenges and environmental concerns, ensuring the city’s long-term sustainability and growth.

Gadkari’s Vision for a Sustainable Delhi

Nitin Gadkari emphasised that these projects are essential for Delhi’s future, blending modern infrastructure with environmental sustainability. As Delhi gears up for elections, these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to improving urban living standards while tackling pressing issues like pollution and congestion.