The Centre has sanctioned three major infrastructure projects worth Rs 148.50 billion, aimed at improving connectivity between the National Capital Region and key destinations like Katra and Dehradun. These projects are designed to reduce travel time for Delhi residents and ease traffic congestion in several parts of the city, including South East, South West, and East Delhi.The planned developments will address congestion along critical stretches such as the Barapullah flyover, Ring Road, Outer Ring Road (ORR), and other internal roads. They will enhance connectivity between areas like Dwarka, Sarai Kale Khan, Kalindi Kunj, and major hubs in Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurgaon.One of the key initiatives includes the extension of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra National Expressway (NE-5). This extension will connect the expressway from the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway to the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), also known as NH-344M, in Delhi and Haryana. The 20-kilometre stretch will integrate with UER-II, Dwarka Expressway, and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, creating seamless travel for vehicles from Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Punjab heading towards Central and Western India. The project is estimated to cost Rs 40 billion.The proposed highway will offer direct access to Delhi, Gurgaon, and Indira Gandhi International Airport from the Delhi-Katra Expressway, enhancing connectivity through both UER-II and the Dwarka Expressway. It is also expected to serve as an alternative route to the frequently congested NH-44 and facilitate quicker airport access for residents in border and outer parts of the city.The work for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been awarded. Following its approval, the tendering process for civil works will commence. Upon completion, the extended expressway is expected to help reduce vehicular traffic from other states entering Delhi, thereby contributing to lower pollution levels in the capital.News source: The Indian ExpressImage source: en.channeliam.com