The Public Works Department (PWD) in New Delhi has announced a series of remedial measures to address waterlogging on roads under its jurisdiction ahead of the monsoon season. The department has allocated more than Rs 2 crore for these works, focusing on roads under the Central and New Delhi (C&ND) roads division, which includes stretches of Ring Road, GT Road, Purana Qila Road, and parts of Mathura Road. Sources indicate that similar preventive measures are likely to be implemented at other critical locations across the city.
Scope of Work and Timeline
Over the past three years, Delhi has identified hundreds of vulnerable waterlogging spots. According to official records, 448 waterlogging-prone points were mapped across the city during surveys conducted in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The timeline for the works listed in the current tender is 107 days from the date of award.
Drainage Maintenance and Rapid Response
The scope of work heavily emphasizes drainage maintenance and rapid response during the monsoon. Contractors will be required to regularly clean drainage pipes beneath footpaths and road surfaces, remove accumulated water during waterlogging incidents, and maintain road signs, delineators, and overhead signboards. Damaged traffic signage must be repaired within 24 hours of identification.
Prompt Civil Repairs
The mandate also requires prompt civil repairs. Dislocated kerb stones must be refixed within 24 hours, while missing or damaged manhole covers are to be replaced within two hours of identification. Minor repairs to damaged carriageways, footpaths, cycle tracks, central verges, and related infrastructure must be completed within 48 hours.
Infrastructure Upkeep and Monitoring
To improve the upkeep of public infrastructure, contractors will have to carry out daily inspections of road furniture and signage, remove banners, posters, hoardings, and wall writings, and maintain a database of road assets. The database is to be updated daily, with reports submitted to PWD officials every fortnight.
Property Management and Safety Measures
The contract also includes property management responsibilities. Maintenance vans will patrol roads daily to identify defects and encroachments. Fresh encroachments, as well as unauthorized posters and banners, must be removed within two hours of detection. Regular monitoring of road conditions has also been made part of the mandate. Additionally, the document prescribes safety measures for sewer and manhole operations. Before workers enter active manholes, the covers must remain open for at least an hour to ensure proper ventilation. Contractors will also be required to barricade the area and install warning signs to prevent accidents involving pedestrians and motorists.
These measures aim to mitigate the impact of monsoon rains and ensure smoother traffic flow and safer roads for Delhi residents.
