PWD hopes to receive funds from Delhi govt for infra projects

The Public Works Department (PWD) hopes to receive urgently needed funds from the Delhi government’s upcoming budget for the mega road infrastructure works. Officials say the projects have not taken off for the last two years since the government was focused on the management of the Covid-induced health crisis. After coming to power, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had announced a couple of projects, however the pandemic brought the city to a halt. In that situation, the government was forced to shift the resources to health infrastructural projects as a result the developmental works also came to a complete standstill for two years. A PWD senior official said that the budget will decide several things. Because of the pandemic, the government had to focus on health and education. Now, the government’s priority list includes infrastructural development. Furthermore, it is expected to be reflected in the budget. Major infrastructural development projects include Signature Bridge to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Aurobindo Marg traffic congestion reduction, and the East-West Corridor. PWD planned signal-free six-lane stretch between the eastern to the western end of Delhi, an elevated corridor between Anand Vihar and Haryana border through the New Delhi Railway Station, under the East-West corridor. However, because of certain land-related issues it is reduced to 19 km between Anand Vihar and Zakhira. PWD minister Satyendar Jain had announced a plan to connect Signature Bridge and the airport is also pending. A 28 km corridor between Signature Bridge (Wazirabad ending) via Zakhira, Dwarka, and Pankha Road will be constructed. This will be beneficial to connect north Delhi with the airport. Image Source Also read: Delhi government to hike circle rates by 30% in posh localities