The Delhi Public Works Department has approved preventive road maintenance projects worth Rs 932 million (mn) to micro-surface nearly 240 km of arterial and feeder roads across the North, East and South maintenance zones in fiscal year 2026-27. The micro-surfacing programme applies a polymer-modified asphalt layer over existing pavements to seal surface cracking, restore skid resistance and prevent water infiltration so as to extend pavement life without the need for full reconstruction. The measure is presented as a cost-effective approach to protect network assets and reduce long-term rehabilitation expenditure while limiting disruption to traffic.

Zonal allocations total Rs 932 mn and cover 239.8 km in aggregate, with the North maintenance zone receiving Rs 480 mn for 152.4 km covering Model Town, Shalimar Bagh, Rohini, Narela and Bawana. The East maintenance zone has been allocated Rs 328 mn for 59.3 km covering Patparganj, Vishwas Nagar and Shahdara. The South maintenance zone has been sanctioned Rs 123 mn for 28.1 km of roads with a right-of-way below 30 metres, including stretches in Malviya Nagar, Mehrauli, Chhatarpur and Deoli.

Operational directives require field divisions to audit target stretches and ensure that roads under an active defect liability period (DLP) warranty are not processed at public expense where deterioration is attributable to defective material or workmanship. The sanction includes a strict prohibition on any cost escalation beyond the approved amounts and specifies that procurement must follow the Delhi Schedule of Rates and applicable statutory public procurement rules. Tendering and contract management are to be executed in line with these financial safeguards and audit obligations.

Authorities say the preventive interventions are intended to extend service life, improve safety by restoring skid resistance and reduce water ingress that accelerates pavement deterioration. Implementation during FY 2026-27 is intended to deliver timely maintenance across busy arterial and feeder corridors, thereby minimising the need for major reconstruction and associated traffic disruption. The combination of zonal allocation, audit requirements and procurement strictures is designed to ensure fiscal discipline while achieving the objective of network preservation across the capital.