Delhi government directs agencies to expedite NHAI highway projects, tackle chronic waterlogging

The Delhi government on Thursday (August 6) directed civic and infrastructure agencies to expedite pending national highway projects and implement permanent measures to address chronic waterlogging and traffic bottlenecks across the Capital. 

At the fifth meeting of the Union Territory-level Coordination Committee chaired by Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Delhi government departments and other agencies reviewed the progress of delayed infrastructure projects. 

Departments were directed to remove procedural bottlenecks, expedite pending approvals and complete projects within stipulated timelines. Mr. Singh said each agency had been assigned clear responsibilities and deadlines. 

Recurring waterlogging on NH-24, particularly at the Patparganj and Pandav Nagar underpasses, was discussed. Progress on flooding at Nausena Bhawan, Thal Sena Bhawan, Mahipalpur T-Point and the R&R Hospital underpass was also reviewed. The PWD informed the meeting that desilting of the NH-24 drain had been completed. Officials asked NHAI to raise the road level to address the problem permanently. 

Waterlogging at the Mahipalpur flyover and the Parade Road-Thal Sena Bhawan underpass also came up for review. NHAI consultants were asked to submit detailed technical reports to facilitate permanent engineering interventions, while agencies were directed to jointly address drainage and sewer-related issues. 

“Our government believes in delivering permanent engineering solutions rather than temporary arrangements. Whether it is NH-24, Mahipalpur or any other vulnerable location, our objective is to provide long-term relief through better planning, stronger coordination and time-bound execution,” Mr. Singh said. 

The committee also reviewed progress on the Andheria Mor-NH-48 corridor, utility shifting for the Rangpuri Bypass Tunnel, the Rohtak Road corridor, and related service roads and drainage infrastructure. BSES was directed to complete pending technical formalities on a priority basis, while departments were asked to expedite approvals and utility shifting to avoid delays. 

The Revenue Department was directed to complete pending land demarcation, mutation and other land-related formalities within stipulated timelines. Departments were also asked to coordinate with the Delhi Development Authority to resolve land issues affecting national highway projects and to expedite utility shifting, in-principle approvals and no-objection certificates related to the Delhi Jal Board infrastructure. 

Congestion at Delhi’s border entry points was also reviewed. Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) toll plazas were identified as contributing to traffic delays. NHAI and the MCD were directed to address operational bottlenecks to improve traffic flow. 

Officials further reviewed encroachments, unauthorised parking and traffic management on National Highways, including the Dwarka Expressway and Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II). Delhi Police, NHAI and the MCD were directed to intensify enforcement to improve road safety and ease traffic flow. 

Emergency response along the nearly 30-km-long UER-II corridor was another focus. Agencies were directed to improve ambulance availability, strengthen emergency response systems and enhance highway patrolling. NHAI and other departments were asked to submit action taken reports before the next review meeting. 

Mr. Singh said the government would focus on timely completion of infrastructure projects through closer coordination and regular monitoring.