New Delhi, December 16, 2025:
In a major push to address long-pending infrastructure and drainage issues in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inspected the desilting work underway at Sunheri Nala in south Delhi and reviewed the progress of the under-construction Barapullah Bridge Phase-3 corridor. Emphasising quality, speed and transparency, the Chief Minister said the current government is focused on resolving legacy issues left behind by previous administrations.
During the site visit, Rekha Gupta directed officials to ensure that all works are completed in a scientific and time-bound manner, stating that several incomplete and unplanned projects inherited from earlier governments had worsened problems such as waterlogging, pollution and traffic congestion. Cabinet Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh and senior officials from the concerned departments were present during the inspection.
The Chief Minister highlighted that colonies surrounding the Sunheri Nala, also known as the Barapullah drain, have faced severe waterlogging every monsoon for years. To address this, a large-scale desilting operation has been initiated along the one-kilometre stretch of the drain. Officials informed her that a total of 50,000 metric tonnes of silt needs to be removed, of which approximately 14,000 metric tonnes has already been cleared.
Rekha Gupta pointed out that the drain was constructed without a proper outlet and slab system, leading to excessive silt accumulation and repeated flooding in nearby residential areas during the monsoon season. She said the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is currently carrying out the cleaning work and expressed confidence that the entire drain would be fully desilted before the next monsoon. The Chief Minister also announced that the entire project would be audited to ascertain how such a major drain was built without ensuring a sustainable cleaning and maintenance mechanism.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of the Barapullah Phase-3 elevated corridor, describing it as a transformative project for Delhi’s traffic management system. The corridor will connect Sarai Kale Khan with Mayur Vihar Phase-I, significantly improving connectivity between south and east Delhi. Under the project, an upgraded elevated roadway along with duct infrastructure is being developed from Sarai Kale Khan to Mayur Vihar.
The 13.3-kilometre-long, six-lane corridor will also feature a 4.3-kilometre dedicated cycle track, promoting non-motorised transport in the city. A key highlight of the project is a 500-metre-long, six-lane extra-dosed bridge, which will be the first of its kind in the country. The bridge will include dedicated walkways and cycle tracks on both sides, aimed at enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety.
According to the Chief Minister, once completed, the Barapullah corridor will provide a signal-free route between east Delhi’s Mayur Vihar and south Delhi’s AIIMS area. It is expected to significantly reduce traffic pressure on the DND Flyway and National Highway-24, facilitating smooth movement for nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles daily. She added that advanced construction techniques and high-quality materials are being used to ensure the structure’s durability, safety and long-term performance.
Rekha Gupta reiterated that the Delhi government is not only identifying problems but actively working to rectify decades of neglect. She said providing relief from waterlogging, air pollution and traffic congestion remains the government’s top priority. “Our focus is on delivering lasting solutions, not temporary fixes,” she said, adding that infrastructure development and environmental management are being pursued simultaneously.
Speaking on the occasion, Public Works Department and Water Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh said the Barapullah Phase-3 project had suffered years of delay due to negligence by the previous government. He noted that the current administration has closely monitored the project, secured all necessary approvals, and issued clear instructions to ensure timely completion. He said sustained oversight will continue so that the project meets its deadlines and delivers the intended benefits to the people of Delhi.
