Delhi Cabinet Approves Payment for Peripheral Expressways to Ease Traffic and Pollution
In a significant move to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance air quality, the Delhi cabinet has approved the payment of the government's pending share for the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways. This decision aims to resolve long-standing financial issues and improve coordination with the central government on future infrastructure projects.
Phased Payment Plan Approved
The cabinet cleared a proposal by the Public Works Department to release the outstanding amount in a phased manner. According to the plan, Rs 500 crore will be released in the financial year 2025–26 from revised budget estimates to the Union government or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The remaining Rs 3,203.3 crore will be paid in instalments in subsequent years, subject to budgetary provisions.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta commented on the project's history, stating, "The project suffered due to the previous government's lack of urgency and its political differences with the Centre. There were deliberate delays in clearing dues, which ultimately worked against Delhi's interests." She emphasized that this decision will help improve coordination with the Centre on future infrastructure initiatives.
Impact on Traffic and Pollution
The Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) and Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE) together form a 270-km ‘smart ring road' around Delhi. Each expressway is approximately 135 km long with six lanes, designed specifically to divert heavy and commercial vehicles that do not need to enter the city. Officials report that this has significantly reduced pressure on Delhi's roads, limited the entry of diesel vehicles, and contributed to lower pollution levels.
Key benefits include:
- Reduced congestion on major corridors such as Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, and national highways including NH-44 and NH-48.
- Time and fuel savings for commuters due to smoother traffic flow.
- Improved air quality by keeping heavy vehicles out of the capital, as highlighted by Chief Minister Gupta.
Strategic Connectivity and Features
These expressways connect major hubs in Haryana — including Kundli, Manesar, and Palwal — and Uttar Pradesh — such as Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Baghpat. This connectivity makes them critical to logistics and trade in north India, facilitating efficient movement of goods and services.
Operational since 2018, the EPE and WPE are considered India's first ‘smart and green' expressways. They feature innovative elements like solar power generation and drip irrigation for roadside plantations, showcasing a commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.
The approval of these payments marks a pivotal step in addressing inter-governmental financial disputes and underscores Delhi's commitment to enhancing urban mobility and environmental health through strategic infrastructure investments.
