In a move aimed at improving traffic flow and air quality in the national capital, the Delhi Government has approved the clearance of its pending share for land acquisition related to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
File Photo: IANS
In a move aimed at improving traffic flow and air quality in the national capital, the Delhi Government has approved the clearance of its pending share for land acquisition related to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the decision is expected to ease congestion caused by heavy vehicles and help reduce pollution levels in the city.
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She noted that these expressways were designed to divert non-destined traffic—particularly trucks and goods carriers—away from Delhi, thereby reducing pressure on city roads and improving air quality.
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Criticising the previous administration, Gupta alleged that the project had suffered due to a lack of seriousness and political differences with the Centre, leading to delays in clearing dues and adversely affecting Delhi’s interests.
She said the Cabinet had recently approved a proposal by the Public Works Department to clear the outstanding amount in a phased manner.
As part of the plan, ₹500 crore will be released in the financial year 2025–26 from revised budget estimates to the Centre or the National Highways Authority of India.
The remaining ₹3,203.33 crore will be paid in instalments in the coming years, depending on budgetary provisions, she added.
According to the Chief Minister, the expressways—operational since 2018—have created a protective traffic ring around the national capital through Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
She said clearing the dues would resolve long-pending inter-state financial issues and improve coordination with the Centre for future infrastructure projects.
Gupta also accused the previous government of neglecting long-term development and focusing more on disputes with the Centre than on infrastructure growth.
She said delays in releasing funds had stalled progress for years, and asserted that such projects would no longer suffer due to financial constraints or political deadlock.
Notably, both the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) and Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE) are approximately 135 km long and six-lane corridors, designed to keep lakhs of heavy and commercial vehicles from entering Delhi if they are only passing through.
These expressways connect key regions in Haryana—Kundli, Manesar and Palwal—and in Uttar Pradesh—Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Baghpat—making them a crucial backbone for logistics and trade in North India, while also helping reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the capital.
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