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14 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
Polity & GovernanceEconomyNEWS

Delhi PWD Proposes Projects to Ease Congestion on Busy Roads

Delhi's PWD plans 10 projects to decongest the city's busiest roads.

The Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi has proposed 10 projects aimed at decongesting some of the city's most heavily trafficked roads. These projects are likely to be mentioned in the upcoming budget. The focus is on improving traffic flow at critical choke points across Delhi.

Specific locations targeted include areas in and around Ashram, Mayur Vihar, and various intersections on major arterial roads. The proposals include construction of elevated corridors, underpasses, and flyovers to ease bottlenecks and reduce travel time for commuters. The PWD believes these projects will significantly improve the overall transportation infrastructure and reduce daily traffic snarls experienced by Delhi residents.

Key Facts

1.

The Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi has proposed 10 projects.

2.

The projects aim to decongest Delhi's busiest roads.

3.

The proposals are likely to be mentioned in the upcoming budget.

4.

The focus is on improving traffic flow at critical choke points.

5.

Specific locations targeted include areas in and around Ashram and Mayur Vihar.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 1 (Urbanization, infrastructure)

2.

GS Paper 2 (Government policies and interventions)

3.

GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure, economic development)

4.

Potential question types: analytical, descriptive

In Simple Words

Delhi's government wants to fix traffic jams on busy roads. They plan to build things like flyovers and underpasses. This should make it easier and faster to get around the city.

India Angle

In India, traffic jams are a daily headache, especially in big cities. These jams waste time, fuel, and cause pollution, affecting everyone from office workers to delivery drivers.

For Instance

Think of a narrow bridge on your commute that always causes a bottleneck. These projects are like building a wider bridge to let more traffic flow smoothly.

Less traffic means less time stuck in cars, less pollution in the air, and a more efficient city. This makes life better for everyone living in Delhi.

Easing traffic is about making Delhi move better for all its people.

Visual Insights

Delhi PWD Projects to Ease Congestion

Map showing key locations in Delhi where PWD projects are proposed to ease traffic congestion.

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📍Delhi📍Delhi
More Information

Background

Urban infrastructure development in India has a long history, evolving from basic civic amenities to complex systems designed to support growing populations and economic activities. Early efforts focused on water supply, sanitation, and road construction, often driven by colonial administrations. The concept of planned urban development gained traction post-independence, with initiatives like the Five-Year Plans emphasizing infrastructure investments. Over time, the approach to urban infrastructure has shifted from a supply-driven model to a demand-responsive one, incorporating principles of sustainability and resilience. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 devolved powers to local urban bodies, enabling them to plan and manage their infrastructure needs more effectively. This act aimed to strengthen urban governance and promote participatory planning. Several government initiatives have played a crucial role in shaping urban infrastructure development. Schemes like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) have provided financial and technical assistance to states and urban local bodies for infrastructure projects. These missions focus on improving basic services, promoting sustainable urban development, and enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. The success of these projects relies on effective planning, coordination, and community participation.

Latest Developments

Recent years have witnessed a renewed focus on smart city development and sustainable urban mobility. The Smart Cities Mission aims to transform selected cities into digitally enabled, citizen-friendly urban centers. This mission emphasizes the use of technology and data-driven solutions to improve urban services and infrastructure. There is growing emphasis on integrated transport systems, including public transport, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly zones. Initiatives like the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) promote sustainable urban mobility by encouraging the use of public transport and non-motorized modes of transport. The policy aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance accessibility for all residents. Looking ahead, urban infrastructure development in India is expected to be driven by factors such as population growth, economic development, and climate change. The government is likely to continue investing in infrastructure projects, with a focus on sustainable and resilient solutions. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are also expected to play a significant role in financing and implementing urban infrastructure projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about Delhi's PWD road decongestion plan that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember that Delhi's Public Works Department (PWD) has proposed 10 projects to decongest busy roads. These projects aim to improve traffic flow at critical choke points, including areas around Ashram and Mayur Vihar. The proposals are likely to be mentioned in the upcoming budget.

Exam Tip

Focus on the number of projects and the department involved. Questions might test your knowledge of government initiatives related to urban infrastructure.

2. What is the main goal of Delhi's PWD in proposing these road projects, and why is it important for the city?

The main goal is to decongest some of Delhi's most heavily trafficked roads by improving traffic flow at critical choke points. This is important because it aims to reduce daily traffic snarls, reduce travel time for commuters, and improve the overall transportation infrastructure in Delhi.

3. How might the Delhi PWD's proposed projects impact the daily life of common citizens, and what are the potential drawbacks?

These projects aim to reduce traffic congestion, potentially saving commuters time and reducing stress. However, construction may cause temporary disruptions. There could also be concerns about the environmental impact of new infrastructure.

4. What are the recent developments regarding Delhi's efforts to improve its urban infrastructure, as highlighted by the PWD's proposals?

Recent developments include the proposal of 10 projects by the Delhi PWD aimed at decongesting busy roads. These proposals are likely to be mentioned in the upcoming budget, indicating a focus on improving traffic flow at critical choke points across Delhi.

5. What related concepts should UPSC aspirants be aware of in relation to Delhi's PWD project?

UPSC aspirants should be aware of concepts like Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development, the role and functions of the Public Works Department (PWD), Government Budgeting and Resource Allocation, Traffic Management and Congestion Mitigation, and Sustainable Transportation.

6. What is the historical background of urban infrastructure development in India, and how does the Delhi PWD's project fit into current developments?

Urban infrastructure development in India has evolved from basic amenities to complex systems. Recent years have seen a focus on smart city development and sustainable urban mobility. The Delhi PWD's project aligns with this focus by aiming to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992: 1. It provides for the constitution of Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils and Municipal Corporations. 2. It mandates the establishment of State Finance Commissions to review the financial position of urban local bodies. 3. It empowers the state governments to devolve powers and responsibilities to the urban local bodies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 provides for the constitution of Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations (Statement 1). It mandates the establishment of State Finance Commissions to review the financial position of urban local bodies (Statement 2). It also empowers the state governments to devolve powers and responsibilities to the urban local bodies (Statement 3). This act aimed to strengthen urban governance and promote participatory planning.

2. Which of the following initiatives is primarily aimed at improving urban infrastructure and services in selected cities through the use of technology and data-driven solutions?

  • A.Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
  • B.Smart Cities Mission
  • C.Swachh Bharat Mission
  • D.Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Smart Cities Mission is aimed at transforming selected cities into digitally enabled, citizen-friendly urban centers through the use of technology and data-driven solutions. While AMRUT focuses on improving basic services, Swachh Bharat Mission targets sanitation, and PMAY (Urban) addresses housing needs, the Smart Cities Mission specifically emphasizes technology integration for urban development.

3. Consider the following statements: 1. The Delhi PWD's proposed projects aim to decongest traffic in areas like Connaught Place and Karol Bagh. 2. The projects include construction of elevated corridors, underpasses, and flyovers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.Both 1 and 2
  • D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Delhi PWD's proposed projects aim to decongest traffic in areas like Ashram and Mayur Vihar, not Connaught Place and Karol Bagh. Statement 2 is correct as the projects include construction of elevated corridors, underpasses, and flyovers to ease bottlenecks and reduce travel time for commuters.

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