The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has launched a comprehensive road repair project that will simultaneously address drains, footpaths, central verges and streetlights, an official confirmed on Wednesday. This initiative marks a departure from the previous practice of tackling these works separately.

The project, approved by PWD Minister Parvesh Verma, will commence in the Delhi University area.

“The standard practice has been to issue separate tenders for each task, completing one before starting another. Under this comprehensive tender, roadside footpaths will be repaired alongside central verges, road markings will be refreshed, and drain openings beneath footpaths will be redesigned,” said Minister Verma.

The department explained that this approach will hold contractors more accountable, as they will be responsible for multiple facets of road maintenance over a two-year period.

“By adopting this comprehensive method, the PWD aims to improve efficiency and the overall quality of road maintenance. It will also reduce disruptions to traffic and daily life by completing multiple tasks at once,” the minister added.

Since 2012, the PWD has managed approximately 1,400 kilometres of the city’s main roads, although sanitation of these roads remains the responsibility of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.