New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is set to launch a massive road carpeting initiative on February 15, targeting 79 key streets across the capital. The project, valued at over ₹70 crore, aims to revitalize Delhi’s aging road network, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance safety for commuters.
Background/Context
Delhi’s road infrastructure has long struggled with wear and tear, especially on high‑traffic arteries that have exceeded their designed lifespan. In the past decade, the city’s rapid urbanisation and increased vehicle density have accelerated surface deterioration, leading to frequent potholes, waterlogging, and hazardous driving conditions. The NDMC, responsible for maintaining roads within the New Delhi Municipal Council area, has been under pressure to deliver timely repairs and upgrades.
In September 2024, NDMC signed a memorandum of agreement with the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) to conduct a comprehensive road condition survey and develop a long‑term maintenance strategy. CRRI’s expertise in pavement engineering and its experience with large‑scale resurfacing projects made it the ideal partner for this ambitious undertaking.
Field evaluations carried out in January and February 2025 identified significant structural deficiencies in several roads, including deep cracking, surface spalling, and sub‑grade instability. The resulting report, submitted in May 2025, recommended a combination of milling, stone mastic asphalt (SMA) treatment, and thermoplastic road markings to extend pavement life and improve visibility.
Key Developments
NDMC’s plan to carpet 79 roads is scheduled to commence simultaneously across all divisions on February 15, with a projected completion date of May 31. The initiative will involve:
- Milling of the top asphalt layer on all selected roads to remove damaged material and level the surface.
- Application of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) on high‑traffic sections such as Atul Grover Road and Jai Singh Road, known for their heavy vehicle load.
- Installation of thermoplastic road markings to enhance lane visibility and safety.
- Implementation of water‑drainage improvements to mitigate future waterlogging.
Financially, the project is split across NDMC’s four divisions:
- R‑I Division – 18 roads, including Jai Singh Road, Janpath, and Copernicus Marg, with a sanctioned budget of ₹18.9 crore.
- R‑II Division – 21 roads such as APJ Abdul Kalam Road and Lodhi Road, allocated ₹18.7 crore.
- R‑IV Division – 28 roads, including Purana Quila Road and C‑Hexagon, funded at ₹20.4 crore.
“This project will significantly improve road quality and durability, reduce maintenance costs, and provide a smoother driving experience,” said NDMC Vice‑Chairman Kuljeet Chahal. “By elevating the capital’s road network to international standards, we are also enhancing safety and visibility through advanced road markings.”
Impact Analysis
For commuters, the resurfacing of 79 roads translates to fewer potholes, smoother rides, and reduced vehicle wear and tear. Traffic engineers estimate a 30% reduction in vehicle maintenance costs for regular users once the new surfaces are fully cured.
Students and daily commuters will benefit from:
- Improved safety on major routes such as Atul Grover Road, which sees over 50,000 vehicles daily.
- Reduced travel time due to smoother pavement and better drainage, cutting average commute times by up to 10 minutes.
- Lower noise pollution as new asphalt layers absorb vibrations more effectively.
Local businesses along the resurfaced corridors are expected to see increased footfall, as smoother roads encourage more foot traffic and reduce delivery delays.
Expert Insights/Tips
Road construction specialists advise that the success of such large‑scale projects hinges on meticulous planning and community engagement. Here are practical tips for residents and stakeholders:
- Stay Informed: Keep track of the project schedule via NDMC’s official website and local news outlets to anticipate any temporary detours.
- Plan Alternative Routes: During the initial weeks of resurfacing, traffic may be rerouted. Use navigation apps that update real‑time traffic conditions.
- Report Issues Promptly: If you notice any unexpected road damage or drainage problems post‑completion, report them to NDMC’s helpline to ensure swift rectification.
- Vehicle Maintenance: After the resurfacing, perform a quick inspection of tires and suspension systems to ensure optimal performance on the new surface.
“The key to a successful road carpeting project is transparency and continuous monitoring,” notes Dr. Anil Kumar, a civil engineering professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. “CRRI’s involvement ensures that the technical standards are met and that the pavement will last for at least 15 years.”
Looking Ahead
NDMC’s initiative is part of a broader vision to modernise Delhi’s infrastructure. The council plans to extend similar resurfacing and maintenance programs to additional 200 roads over the next five years, with a focus on integrating smart traffic management systems.
Future projects will likely incorporate:
- Smart sensors embedded in pavements to monitor load and temperature.
- Use of recycled materials to reduce environmental impact.
- Community‑driven feedback mechanisms to continually improve road quality.
As Delhi moves towards a more sustainable and efficient transport ecosystem, the NDMC road carpeting project sets a precedent for large‑scale public works that balance technical excellence with citizen convenience.
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