The Delhi government has approved the payment of Rs 37 billion (Rs 37 bn) in pending dues for land acquisition connected with the Eastern Peripheral Expressway and the Western Peripheral Expressway, in a move intended to improve traffic flow and reduce pollution in the national capital. The decision followed a proposal by the Public Works Department and is aimed at diverting non-destined heavy vehicles away from city roads. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta indicated that the clearance of dues will ease congestion and enhance air quality.

Under a phased payment plan the government will release Rs 5 bn in the financial year 2025–26 from revised budget estimates, with the remaining Rs 32.03 bn to be paid in instalments in subsequent years subject to budgetary provisions. The funds will be transferred to the Union government or to the National Highways Authority of India. Officials indicated that the phased approach is intended to align fiscal commitments with available resources while addressing long pending liabilities.

The Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways have been operational since 2018 and together form a 270 km ring corridor around Delhi, with each stretch measuring about 135 km. Designed as access-controlled six-lane highways the expressways aim to divert heavy and commercial traffic that does not need to enter the capital and thus relieve pressure on inner city roads. By linking key routes including NH-44 and NH-48 the corridors have supported smoother logistics across neighbouring states and reduced travel times for through traffic.

Clearing the dues is expected to resolve inter-state financial disputes and improve coordination between the Centre and the Delhi government on future infrastructure projects. Authorities framed the action as part of a wider urban management strategy to restrict heavy diesel lorries and to mitigate vehicular pollution in the capital.