The Delhi government has significantly accelerated construction on four critical trunk drains across the national capital, aiming to provide a long-term solution to the chronic waterlogging that plagues several low-lying and densely populated areas during monsoons. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that these initiatives, part of a revised drainage master plan, are designed for permanent relief rather than temporary fixes.
Key Projects Targeting Chronic Trouble Spots
The administration is focusing on specific corridors that have historically suffered severe flooding. In west Delhi, the Kirari-Mundka Halt-Supplementary Drain is a key project expected to benefit residents of Kirari, Mundka, Nangloi, and Bawana. This 4.5-kilometre drain will handle rainwater from a catchment area of roughly 1,520 acres.
With a designed discharge capacity of 760 cubic feet per second (cusecs), the Rs 220.93-crore project aims to prevent rainwater from spilling onto roads. Officials stated the drain will originate near Mundka Halt station, run parallel to the railway line, and eventually merge with the Supplementary Drain. An MoU has been signed with the railways for land use, and the project is targeted for completion within 15 months after receiving necessary approvals.
Major Overhaul for South and Northwest Delhi
Another critical focus is the long-troubled MB Road stretch in South Delhi, from Lado Sarai T-point to Pul Prahladpur. This corridor is notorious for severe traffic snarls during monsoons due to flooding. The MB Road Storm Water Drain project, with an estimated cost of Rs 387.84 crore, involves rebuilding or expanding drains spanning 22.76 kilometres on both sides of the 11.38-kilometre road.
To be executed by the Public Works Department (PWD), this overhaul is scheduled for completion in 2.5 years. Officials believe the upgrade will prevent water accumulation in adjoining colonies and ensure smoother traffic flow during heavy rains.
In northwest Delhi, the Kirari-Rithala Trunk Drain promises relief for residents of Kirari, Rohini, and nearby areas. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is constructing a 7.2-kilometre drain with a massive discharge capacity of 1,160 cusecs at a cost of Rs 250.21 crore. Approximately 600 metres of work is already done, and construction has resumed after pending permissions for felling 84 trees were secured.
Strategic Entry Point and Project Timeline
Improvement work is also underway for stormwater drains along Rohtak Road (NH-10), a crucial entry point into Delhi. This Rs 184-crore project covers stretches from the Tikri border to Nangloi and Hirankudna. The authorities have set a target to complete this work by March 2026.
The combined investment in these four strategic projects exceeds Rs 1,043 crore, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing the city's drainage infrastructure deficit. The initiatives represent a coordinated effort to move beyond emergency pumping and provide a structured, engineered solution to Delhi's annual monsoon misery.
