Delhi’s ₹24,000 Cr Push to End Traffic Congestion
Delhi has long been grappling with severe traffic congestion on a daily basis. In a major step to tackle this persistent issue, the Central and Delhi governments have jointly approved a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade plan. This ambitious four-year project, involving an investment of nearly ₹24,000 crore, aims to streamline traffic flow across the national capital and surrounding NCR region.
The primary objective of the plan is not just to ease vehicular movement but also to curb pollution levels in the city. As part of this joint initiative, Delhi will see large-scale construction works including tunnels, flyovers, new roadways, metro extensions, and underpasses. These developments are expected to provide much-needed relief to residents who struggle with traffic chaos on a daily basis.
Mega Traffic Project to Begin in 2025
According to government sources, the project is scheduled to commence in 2025, with completion targeted by 2027. In the first phase, work will prioritise areas with the most severe traffic bottlenecks. These locations will witness the construction of state-of-the-art flyovers, multilayer road systems, underpasses, and tunnels aimed at reducing congestion and ensuring smoother traffic movement.
Key Projects Under the Plan
The plan includes several major infrastructure projects:
- Tunnel from Mahipalpur to Vasant Kunj: A 5-kilometre tunnel will connect National Highway-48 and significantly ease traffic pressure, especially on routes leading to the airport.
- Metro Network Expansion: The Pink Line will be extended by 12.3 kilometres, covering key stretches along the Ring Road. This will reduce the need for transfers and make cross-city travel faster and more efficient.
- Flyovers and Underpasses: New flyovers will be constructed along the Gurugram-Jaipur Highway to alleviate peak-hour congestion. Additional underpasses will open up faster routes within the city.
- New Connecting Roads: New roads and upgrades to existing routes across Delhi-NCR will modernise traffic infrastructure and improve overall connectivity.
A New Traffic Strategy to Tackle Pollution
One of the key contributors to air pollution in Delhi is vehicle emissions caused by frequent idling in traffic jams. The new infrastructure plan focuses on improving traffic flow to reduce stop-and-go vehicle movement, which in turn is expected to significantly cut down harmful emissions. Moreover, the initiative will promote public transport systems like metro and buses, encouraging a shift away from private vehicle use.
Focus on High-Density Areas
A significant feature of this infrastructure push is its focus on Delhi’s most congested zones, including Safdarjung, INA, Mehrauli, Dwarka, and Rajendra Nagar. These areas witness heavy daily vehicle movement, often resulting in severe traffic snarls. The plan aims to ease the burden on these corridors and ensure smoother commutes for the public.
Delhi to Get a Smart Traffic System
The Delhi government stated that the project is poised to bring a transformative change to urban mobility in the capital. Calling it the largest traffic reform plan in India, the Chief Minister hailed it as a “historic move made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Centre and the Delhi government.” The goal, he said, is to provide Delhi with a well-structured road network free from congestion and pollution.
The Union Transport Minister also endorsed the plan, highlighting the adoption of digital and smart traffic management systems. These will enhance the control and regulation of traffic in real-time, making Delhi’s transport network more efficient and technologically advanced.
Project Overview
| Key Focus Area | Main Projects and Details |
|---|---|
| Traffic Management | Construction of tunnels, flyovers, underpasses, new road links |
| Metro Expansion | Pink Line extension: 12.3 km from Magistrate Park to Maujpur |
| Pollution Control | Streamlined traffic flow, boost to public transportation |
| Work Commencement | 2025 |
| Project Completion | 2027 |
Conclusion
To address the escalating issue of traffic congestion in Delhi and nearby regions, the Centre and Delhi government have jointly launched a ₹24,000 crore mega project. This initiative is set to save commuters valuable time and effectively reduce pollution. With the construction of extensive tunnels, new flyovers, and metro line expansions, Delhi’s traffic infrastructure is set for a complete transformation. The project is widely seen as a crucial step towards making Delhi a cleaner, faster, and better-connected city. In the next two to three years, it is expected to play a pivotal role in resolving the capital’s long-standing traffic woes.
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