Abhinav RajputNew Delhi: Delhi govt Wednesday approved road strengthening projects worth Rs 657.9 crore, covering more than 270 km across east, north and south Delhi.The decision was taken at a meeting of the expenditure finance committee (EFC) in which chief minister Rekha Gupta, minister Parvesh Verma and other senior officials were present.According to the CMO, the works will be completed by Oct and will include strengthening of several key arterial roads used daily by lakhs of commuters.Among the major roads identified in east Delhi are road number 66 from the Seelampur red light on GT Road to the Gokalpuri red light; Outer Ring Road from Chandgi Ram Akhara to Wazirabad; BBM Road, GT Road and Avtar Singh Marg.In north Delhi, work will be undertaken on Pankha Road (Bhagwan Mandir Marg), Satguru Ram Singh Marg, Lala Ganesh Das Khatri Marg, Major Sudesh Marg and Old Pankha Road.In south Delhi, the project will cover stretches of SSN Marg, Mandi Road, Barapullah Elevated Road (Phase-I), Nelson Mandela Marg and Pankha Road.Officials said Rs 147.08 crore has been earmarked for strengthening 58.29 km of roads in the East Maintenance Zone, Rs 247.31 crore for 104.42 km in the North Maintenance Zone and Rs 263.61 crore for 107.92 km in the South Maintenance Zone.The project will involve cold milling of damaged road surfaces, laying of dense bituminous macadam (DBM) and bituminous concrete (BC) layers, along with road markings, signages, reflectors, safety barriers and kerb channel works for drainage management. The measures are expected to enhance the structural strength of roads and improve driving conditions.A key feature of the initiative is the introduction of a zone-wise composite tendering system, replacing the conventional road-wise tender model. Govt said the new system would encourage participation of reputed construction firms, facilitate deployment of advanced machinery and improve monitoring and accountability.Gupta said govt was committed to constructing stronger and long-lasting roads while ensuring transparency in execution. She said all projects would carry a five-year Defect Liability Period (DLP), under which contractors would be responsible for maintenance after completion. Any pothole developing during this period will have to be repaired within 48 hours.To ensure quality control, project progress will be monitored through the GSDL/DPMG portal, with geo-tagged photographs uploaded before, during and after the work. Independent audits will be carried out by CSIR-CRRI and the School of Planning and Architecture.Govt said all tenders have been prepared in accordance with Commission for Air Quality Management norms. Dust-control measures will be mandatory during construction, with officials stating that the project is aimed not only at improving road infrastructure but also at reducing dust pollution and enhancing the city’s environment.
