In a decisive move to tackle the perennial problem of waterlogging, the Delhi government has accelerated four large-scale drainage projects across the national capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the initiative on Sunday, stating it is a core part of a strategy to modernise the city's drainage infrastructure for the future.
Four Key Projects to Reshape Delhi's Drainage
The government's plan targets some of the most flood-prone areas in Delhi. The projects include the Mundka supplementary drain, the MB Road stormwater drain, the Kirari-Rithala trunk drain, and drain improvements along Rohtak Road. According to officials from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), these enhanced trunk drains are designed to ensure swift rainwater discharge into the Yamuna river, thereby reducing pressure on the existing sewerage network.
Details of the Major Initiatives
A significant 4.5-kilometre trunk drain is planned parallel to the railway line from Mundka halt station. This project, with a budget of Rs 220.93 crore, aims to resolve long-standing drainage issues in Kirari, Mundka, Bawana, and Nangloi. It will cater to a catchment area of 1,520 acres and boast a discharge capacity of 760 cubic feet per second (cusecs). Officials confirmed that the drain will merge with the Supplementary Drain and integrate multiple secondary drains, creating a unified system. Work will be conducted on railway land under a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and is slated for completion within 15 months after necessary approvals.
For South Delhi, a major stormwater drain project along MB Road from Lado Sarai T-point to Pul Prahladpur has been greenlit. Estimated to cost Rs 387.84 crore, this Public Works Department (PWD) project will cover 11.38 km of road length with drains spanning 22.76 km on both sides. The 2.5-year project also includes footpath construction, utility service relocation, and the transplantation or felling of approximately 500 trees.
Northwest Delhi and Central Funding
In northwest Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is constructing a 7.2-km Kirari-Rithala trunk drain at a cost of Rs 250.21 crore. This drain will have a substantial discharge capacity of 1,160 cusecs. Simultaneously, improvement work on stormwater drains along Rohtak Road (NH-10) is underway with an estimated cost of Rs 184 crore. Notably, this project has received Rs 105 crore from the central government under the "Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment" scheme and is targeted for completion by March 2026.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasised that these projects are crafted considering Delhi's unique geographical conditions, recurring waterlogging, population pressure, and the need for future-ready infrastructure. She expressed confidence that this comprehensive Drainage Master Plan would bring lasting relief to large parts of Delhi from annual monsoon flooding and mark a pivotal step in strengthening the capital's urban resilience.
