Union Budget Allocates ₹11,000 Crore to Delhi as Decongestion Measures Begin

The Union Budget has allocated ₹11,000 crore for Delhi, with the government set to roll out a series of measures aimed at decongesting the national capital, a senior minister said. The funding is expected to support transport upgrades, infrastructure expansion, and urban planning initiatives to tackle chronic traffic bottlenecks and improve daily commuting.

Where the Money Will Go

Officials indicated that the allocation will be spread across multiple sectors tied to mobility and urban infrastructure. Priority areas include road widening, junction redesign, public transport enhancement, and last-mile connectivity. The goal is to reduce pressure on key arterial roads and improve traffic flow across high-density zones.

Decongestion Steps Already Underway

According to the minister, several projects have already moved into implementation. These include traffic engineering improvements at major intersections, streamlining signal systems, and accelerating work on alternative corridors to divert through-traffic away from crowded stretches.

Authorities are also coordinating with civic agencies to remove encroachments and improve road surface quality, which often contributes to slow-moving traffic.

Public Transport Push

A significant portion of the strategy focuses on strengthening public transport to reduce dependence on private vehicles. Planned interventions include expanding bus fleets, optimizing routes, and improving integration with metro services to make public transport faster and more reliable.

Urban planners say shifting commuters from cars to buses and metro is key to long-term congestion relief.

Infrastructure and Planning Reforms

Beyond roads and transport, the funding will support smarter urban planning. This includes better parking management, pedestrian-friendly upgrades, and technology-driven traffic monitoring systems to respond to congestion in real time.

Officials noted that data-led traffic management can significantly cut delays without large-scale construction.

Why the Allocation Matters

Delhi consistently ranks among the most congested cities in the world. Experts say sustained investment—rather than one-off projects—is essential to address population growth, rising vehicle ownership, and mixed land use patterns that strain infrastructure.

The ₹11,000 crore allocation signals a multi-year commitment to improving mobility and urban quality of life.

Coordination Between Agencies

The minister stressed the importance of coordination between central agencies, the Delhi government, and municipal bodies to ensure projects are executed on time. Inter-agency alignment has been a sticking point in the past, often delaying outcomes.

What Residents Can Expect

In the near term, commuters may experience construction-related disruptions. However, authorities say phased execution and off-peak scheduling will minimize inconvenience. Over time, residents should see smoother traffic movement, shorter travel times, and improved public transport reliability.

The Takeaway

With ₹11,000 crore earmarked for Delhi in the Union Budget, the government is pushing a comprehensive decongestion agenda that combines infrastructure, public transport, and smart traffic management. If executed effectively, the measures could bring tangible relief to one of India’s most congested urban regions.