New Delhi, January 22, 2026: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a major rejuvenation project of the Munak Canal, along with the construction of grand Chhath Puja ghats, marking a significant step toward urban renewal, environmental restoration, and improved civic infrastructure in the capital. The initiative aims to transform the long-neglected canal into a symbol of faith, cleanliness, and modern development, while also addressing chronic traffic congestion in Outer Delhi.
Speaking at the event held in Shalimar Bagh, the Chief Minister said the Munak Canal, which has suffered from years of neglect and unsanitary conditions, will be comprehensively cleaned, beautified, and developed into a vibrant public and cultural space. She described the project as a major relief for lakhs of devotees from Purvanchal, stating that by the next Chhath Puja, the entire area would be revitalised to allow devotees to offer arghya to the Sun God in a clean, safe, and well-developed environment.
The event was attended by Chandni Chowk Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal, Delhi government cabinet minister Pravesh Sahib Singh, Wazirpur MLA Poonam Bhardwaj, BJP district president Ajay Khatana, and senior officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
Canal to Become a Hub of Faith and Culture
The Chief Minister said that the Munak Canal, long perceived as a symbol of filth and disorder, will now emerge as a focal point of faith and culture. Dedicated Chhath ghats will be constructed along the canal, enabling devotees to perform rituals without safety or hygiene concerns. The project is expected to benefit residents of Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Keshavpuram, Netaji Subhash Place, Punjabi Bagh, and Kohat Enclave.
Once completed, the rejuvenated canal corridor is projected to attract more than 30,000 visitors daily for morning walks, recreation, and community activities. The development will include landscaped green spaces, seating areas, and improved lighting, making the canal banks an attractive public destination.
New Roads and Bridge to Improve Connectivity
As part of the comprehensive development plan, a new road will be constructed alongside the canal to improve public convenience, and the existing Singalpur Bridge will be widened. These measures are expected to significantly improve connectivity and reduce bottlenecks in surrounding areas.
The Chief Minister said these upgrades would convert a long-ignored stretch into a modern urban space with enhanced civic amenities, contributing to better quality of life for residents and easing persistent traffic pressure.
₹5,000-Crore Elevated Road to Ease Traffic
Announcing a major infrastructure push, Rekha Gupta said the Delhi government will construct an elevated road over the Munak Canal at an estimated cost of ₹5,000 crore. The elevated corridor will run from Inderlok Metro Station to Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II), providing a direct, congestion-free route for commuters heading toward Rohini and other parts of Outer Delhi.
She said the elevated road would allow motorists to bypass overcrowded internal roads, ensuring smoother and faster travel. Emphasising the broader impact of the initiative, the Chief Minister said the project goes beyond canal rejuvenation and represents a historic step toward holistic development of the entire region. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing long-pending infrastructure projects and delivering tangible improvements to citizens.
Details of the Development Projects
Project 1: Canal Cleaning and Beautification
Under the first phase, the Munak Canal will be thoroughly cleaned, with removal of accumulated sludge and waste. Arrangements will be made to ensure the flow of clean water. Modern Chhath ghats with concrete steps will be built on both sides of the canal. The banks will be landscaped with trees, plants, and parks, creating a suitable environment for worship and community gatherings.
Project 2: Service Roads on Both Sides
New service roads will be developed along both sides of the canal, featuring paved carriageways, interlocking tiles, and solar-powered lighting. Safe pedestrian footpaths and wheel guards for vehicles will also be installed to enhance safety, visibility, and ease of movement.
Project 3: Double-Lane Bridge Construction
A new double-lane bridge will be constructed near the Singalpur Bridge using modern steel and concrete technology. The widening of this crossing is expected to resolve long-standing traffic congestion between Pitampura and Shalimar Bagh and improve access to the Outer Ring Road.
Project 4: Boundary Wall and Aesthetic Enhancements
From the Outer Ring Road to Inderlok Metro Station, a precast RCC boundary wall will be constructed along the canal. The stretch will undergo comprehensive beautification, including greenery, seating arrangements, lighting, and aesthetic improvements, positioning the Munak Canal corridor among Delhi’s prominent public attractions.
A New Identity for the Munak Canal
The Chief Minister said the Munak Canal would shed its image of neglect and emerge as a new identity for Delhi—one that blends faith, cleanliness, culture, and modern infrastructure. The government, she added, is determined to ensure timely completion of the project so that residents and devotees can benefit from a transformed, accessible, and vibrant public space.
With the launch of these initiatives, the Delhi government aims to set a benchmark for integrated urban development, combining religious facilities, environmental rejuvenation, and large-scale infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the city.
