NDMC Initiates Major Road Infrastructure Upgrade Across Delhi
New Delhi: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is set to launch a comprehensive road carpeting and milling initiative across 79 prominent roads in the capital, with work commencing on February 15. This significant infrastructure project, estimated to cost over Rs 70 crore, will be executed simultaneously across all NDMC divisions, aiming to transform the city's road network.
Strategic Implementation and Traffic Management
Officials have confirmed that the project will begin concurrently in multiple divisions to maximize efficiency. Special measures will be implemented to minimize traffic disruption during the construction period, ensuring smooth movement for commuters and residents. The completion deadline has been set for May 31, creating a tight timeline for this extensive renovation work.
Technical Oversight by CSIR-CRRI
The CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), which conducted the initial road condition survey and recommended the technical processes for enhanced durability, will monitor the entire project. This collaboration follows a memorandum of agreement signed between CSIR-CRRI and NDMC in September 2024, establishing a five-year framework for road maintenance and engineering staff training.
Field evaluations for the 79 roads were completed in January and February 2025, with a comprehensive evaluation report submitted in May of the previous year. This report identified specific maintenance and rehabilitation needs for each road segment.
Addressing Road Deterioration
The evaluation revealed that many roads had exceeded their five-year bituminous lifespan, showing significant stress indicators including deep cracks and surface deterioration. NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Chahal explained the technical approach: "Milling of the top asphalt layer was recommended on all roads before treatment to prevent a rise in the road level and waterlogging in adjoining areas."
Specific examples include Atul Grover Road, where a 40 mm bituminous concrete layer will be applied after milling 50 mm, and Jai Singh Road, where the carriageway remains in good condition but the roundabout requires milling and stone mastic asphalt treatment.
Division-Wise Project Breakdown
The project has been strategically divided across NDMC's operational areas:
- R-I Division: 18 roads including Jai Singh Road, Janpath, Atul Grover Road, Dr Rajendra Prasad Road, Sikandra Road, Bhagwan Das Road, Copernicus Marg, Pandara Road, Purana Quila Road and C-Hexagon with Rs 18.9 crore sanctioned
- R-II Division: 21 roads including APJ Abdul Kalam Road, Aurobindo Marg, Lodhi Road and Amrita Sher-Gil Marg with Rs 18.7 crore allocated
- R-IV Division: 28 roads approved for resurfacing with sanctioned funds of ₹20.4 crore
Expected Benefits and Long-Term Impact
Vice-Chairman Chahal emphasized the project's transformative potential: "This project will significantly improve road quality and durability, reduce maintenance costs and provide a smoother driving experience. It will elevate the capital's road network to international standards, while road safety and visibility will be further enhanced through thermoplastic road markings."
The initiative represents one of NDMC's most substantial infrastructure investments in recent years, targeting both immediate improvements and long-term sustainability of Delhi's crucial road network.
