Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that the central government will undertake infrastructure projects worth Rs 1 trillion to revamp Delhi over the next two years.

Speaking to ANI, Gadkari said, “I promise that projects worth Rs 1 trillion will transform Delhi's infrastructure. Under the Namami Gange scheme, initiatives to clean the Yamuna are in progress, aiming to prevent sewage water from entering the river. However, delays persist as the Delhi government has not provided its share of funds for some projects.”

The Ministry of Road Transport is currently executing projects worth Rs 650 billion in Delhi, with Rs 330 billion already completed. Gadkari assured that the remaining Rs 320 billion will be executed soon.

Addressing the issues of pollution and traffic congestion, Gadkari emphasised that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, multiple projects have been initiated to alleviate these challenges. The government has also introduced electric vehicles, CNG-powered buses, and scooters to combat air pollution, which is largely caused by fossil fuel emissions.

“We aim to make Delhi pollution-free within five years,” Gadkari stated, adding that there has been a 20% reduction in stubble burning, which previously contributed significantly to air pollution in Delhi and nearby areas.

Highlighting the waste-to-wealth initiative, Gadkari revealed that 60 of the planned 400 CNG plants are operational, converting agricultural stubble into fuel. This initiative is reducing stubble burning and enabling buses and trucks to run on CNG.

(ET)