As the biggest electoral activity is the country is over and the Model Code of Conduct is to be lifted soon, several pending government initiatives and projects in Delhi are now expected to move forward, reported ToI.
Among many initiatives of Delhi government, mohalla bus service scheme and the second edition of the policies on electric vehicles and solar power are awaiting approval. Additionally, road development work at 341 locations under the Dilli Gramoday Abhiyan, redevelopment of New Delhi Municipal Council’s Shivaji Stadium bus terminal, repair work at Kamla Market opposite New Delhi Railway Station and the opening of a 3km cycle track in Nehru Park are among work that is pending.
Solar Policy, EVs on priority list
Arvind Kejriwal- led Delhi government had announced the Delhi Solar Policy, 2023, that aims to help consumers with monthly electricity usage exceeding 400 units to achieve zero bills through the installation of rooftop solar plants. The government is expected to soon launch a portal to assist interested individuals in installing rooftop panels on their homes, reported ToI quoting an official.
Addtionally, government is also expected to expedite work on a revised policy to promote electric vehicles, which will include attractive subsidy features.
The Delhi government has completed talks with two companies to operate app-based premium buses equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats and WiFi. “The state govt was waiting for the elections to be over to roll out the scheme and now the right time has come,” said the official.
Repair and maintaince on cards of Delhi government:
Once the election code is lifted, the Public Works Department (PWD) plans to prioritise projects such as flyover maintenance, starting with the one at Sarita Vihar before moving on to others. Minor projects like maintenance of buildings and waterproofing of courts and hospitals are also pending, ToI’s reported added further.
Earlier this year, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi proposed various projects to the Delhi Development Authority regarding roads, drainage systems and streetlights in villages under the Dilli Gramoday Abhiyan. The majority of these works were recommended in villages in Najafgarh and Narela and in the south and west zones.
According to PWD officials, they will follow up with the traffic police to obtain approval for the Sarita Vihar flyover repair work, and once this is acquired, will begin the work of replacing the extension joints.
“DDA has sanctioned 349 projects costing INR 407.1 crore and, till March 11, tenders had been floated for 344 of them,” an MCD official revealed to ToI. “After that, due to MCC imposition, the process for inviting agencies to implement the projects was put on hold except for eight of them. Now that the elections are over, we hope to speed up the work in the villages,” the official added.
Revamp of the decades-old Kamla Market is also on the list, including painting the 73-year-old clock tower and the entrance of the complex. “In March, we approved the project to restore and revamp the market to its original glory. While some basic work was initiated, restoration of the façade and parking area can begin only once MCC is lifted,” said an official.
The maintenance of Mandi Road and the decongestion of the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road is also expected to gain momentum and, in addition, PWD will now resume work on the pending proposal for land acquisition.
