New Delhi: The Delhi government has approved a major infrastructure project worth ₹657.99 crore to reconstruct and upgrade more than 270.63 kilometres of roads across the national capital. The decision was taken during an Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The initiative aims to improve road quality, enhance durability, and make travel smoother and safer for commuters across Delhi.
Road Network to Be Developed Across East, North, and South Delhi
Under the approved plan, road redevelopment work will be carried out in three zones of the city:
- East Delhi: 58.29 km of roads with an estimated cost of ₹147.08 crore
- North Delhi: 104.42 km of roads with an estimated cost of ₹247.31 crore
- South Delhi: 107.92 km of roads with an estimated cost of ₹263.61 crore
The government has set a target to complete the entire project by October 2026, aiming to make the roads pothole-free and structurally stronger.
Use of Modern Technology for Durable Road Construction
The redevelopment work will involve modern construction techniques to ensure long-lasting results. The process includes:
- Removal of the damaged top layer using advanced machinery
- Laying of a new durable road surface
- Road marking and installation of signboards
- Proper drainage systems for rainwater management
These upgrades are designed to improve road strength and reduce maintenance issues in the future.
Shift to Zone-Wise Composite Tendering System
A key reform in this project is the introduction of a zone-wise composite tender system, replacing the earlier road-wise tendering method. Instead of separate contracts for each road, entire zones will now be awarded under a single tender.
This change is expected to:
- Improve execution efficiency
- Strengthen quality control and monitoring
- Enable better use of modern machinery and technology
- Ensure accountability in construction and maintenance
Five-Year Maintenance Responsibility for Contractors
All awarded contracts will include a five-year Defect Liability Period (DLP). During this period, contractors will be responsible for repairing any damage.
If potholes or defects appear, they must be repaired within 48 hours of reporting. This ensures long-term accountability and better road maintenance standards.
Strict Monitoring Through Digital and Independent Audits
The government will closely monitor project progress using the GSDAL/DPMS portal, where updates will be regularly uploaded.
To ensure transparency, geo-tagged photographs will be required:
- Before construction begins
- During construction
- After project completion
Additionally, independent quality audits will be conducted by CSIR-CRRI and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) to ensure construction standards are maintained.
Focus on Quality, Transparency, and Infrastructure Upgrade
The Delhi government has emphasized that the project is not just about road construction but also about ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term infrastructure quality. The initiative is expected to significantly improve urban mobility and road safety across the capital.
