New Delhi: Public Works Department (PWD) has begun upgrading drainage infrastructure in parts of east Delhi to tackle chronic waterlogging ahead of the monsoon. The department has allocated Rs 8.9 crore for drainage improvement on Neelam Mata Mandir Road and adjoining areas. The project involves constructing and upgrading drains, installing drain covers and building box culverts to improve stormwater flow and reduce flooding.
Officials said the work includes replacing existing stormwater drains along the stretch and executing all related civil works, including foundation, substructure and superstructure tasks. Sludge from existing drains will be cleared and transported to authorised municipal dumping sites under the direction of the engineer-in-charge. Safety and traffic management provisions form a key part of the contract conditions. According to officials, footpath development will follow the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre guidelines. The selected agency will prepare layout plans and cross-sectional drawings for departmental approval before construction begins. Structural drawings will be prepared by an approved consultant and vetted by IIT Delhi or another govt institute when required. Additionally, Rs 1.1 crore has been sanctioned for constructing a box culvert on Kotla Road and nearby areas in Shashi Garden and the Auto Market to address recurring waterlogging. Officials said these projects form part of a broader push to strengthen Delhi’s drainage network before the monsoon. Delhi govt recently removed 9.1 million cubic metres of silt from the 57-km Najafgarh drain using 32 amphibious excavators in a desilting drive to reduce waterlogging in areas such as Dwarka, Janakpuri and Vikaspuri. Similar interventions have been planned in other vulnerable areas. In Sangam Vihar, where rains frequently inundate roads near the Hamdard traffic intersection, the PWD has proposed a Rs 82.4 lakh project to build cross-drainage systems and install tactile tiles on footpaths. The project aims to curb waterlogging, enhance pedestrian safety and ease commuting during heavy rain, officials said.
