On the 77th Republic Day, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta addressed a throng of Delhi residents from Chhatrasal Stadium, unveiling a comprehensive 11‑month report card and a forward‑looking roadmap for a “Viksit Delhi.” The CM’s address, delivered on January 26, 2026, highlighted the administration’s rapid progress in governance, health, education, infrastructure, and social welfare, while outlining concrete steps to transform Delhi into a model city by 2047.
Background / Context
Delhi’s political landscape has been in flux since the 2025 elections, with the new government inheriting a city plagued by administrative inertia, traffic congestion, and a fragmented health system. Rekha Gupta’s tenure began just 11 months ago, and she has already set a bold agenda to align Delhi’s development with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision. The report card, presented on Republic Day, serves both as a performance audit and a manifesto for the next phase of urban transformation.
“January 26 is not merely a date but a symbol of India’s self‑respect, democratic consciousness, and complete sovereignty,” Gupta said, echoing the nation’s constitutional ethos. She linked Delhi’s progress to the broader national narrative, positioning the city as a microcosm of India’s aspirations for inclusive growth.
Key Developments
Gupta’s address covered five pillars of development: welfare, health, education, infrastructure, and social security. Below are the headline achievements and upcoming initiatives.
- Welfare & Food Security: 50 Atal Canteens now operate across Delhi, serving over 50,000 beneficiaries daily at Rs 5 per meal. The target is one lakh beneficiaries per day by 2027.
- Health Ecosystem:
- Digital India initiatives have introduced IT systems in all government hospitals.
- Over 1 crore ABHA IDs created; online OPD services launched.
- Ayushman Bharat and Vay Vandana schemes registered 6 lakh citizens; 20,000 patients already benefited.
- 300+ Ayushman Arogya Mandirs operational; new hospital blocks, labs, and critical care units added.
- Education:
- 21 % of the 2025‑26 budget earmarked for education.
- Delhi School Education Act, 2025 curbs arbitrary fee hikes.
- Smart classrooms, digital libraries, labs, and sports facilities being built in government schools.
- Ultra‑modern education hub in Narela costing ₹1,300 cr is under construction.
- Scholarships for meritorious students; free laptops distributed to 1,200 toppers of Classes 10 and 11.
- Sports & Youth Development:
- Delhi offers the highest incentives for athletes: ₹7 cr for Olympic gold, ₹5 cr for silver, ₹3 cr for bronze.
- Delhi Sports University at Mundka construction commenced.
- Infrastructure & Transport:
- Capital expenditure for 2025‑26 doubled; MoU signed with RBI for financial management.
- Goal: 100 % electric public bus fleet within three years; 11,000 electric buses added.
- Charging infrastructure expansion, ISBT redevelopment, Metro network to reach 500 km.
- Last‑mile connectivity via e‑buses, e‑autos, e‑taxis, and rapid rail projects underway.
- Pink Cards for women and transgender community; new expressways, flyovers, underpasses, and elevated roads to decongest traffic.
- Safe City Project: 10,000 CCTV cameras and 1 lakh smart LED street lights.
- 53 new speed courts and hybrid courtrooms; Tihar Jail relocation under review.
- Social Security & Rural Development:
- Construction workers receive financial assistance; Gig Worker Welfare Board constituted.
- 500 Palna creche centres set up; new pensions sanctioned; senior citizen homes developed.
- ₹1,700 cr worth of projects under Delhi Village Development Board; ₹700 cr allocated for slum cluster development.
- Economic Growth & Environment:
- Budget increased from ₹75,000 cr to ₹1 lakh cr.
- Ease of Doing Business reforms, Single Window System, e‑District services, MSME and manufacturing policies underway.
- Yamuna rejuvenation: drain desilting, master drainage plan, STP upgrade, biogas and e‑waste plants, comprehensive solar policy.
Impact Analysis
The roadmap has far‑reaching implications for Delhi’s residents, businesses, and students. For families, the expansion of Atal Canteens and free laptops means improved nutrition and digital access. Health reforms translate to faster, cheaper medical care, especially for the elderly and low‑income groups. The education sector’s focus on smart classrooms and scholarships can reduce dropout rates and enhance employability.
Students, in particular, stand to benefit from the new Delhi Sports University and the generous incentives for sporting excellence. The emphasis on digital infrastructure—online OPDs, e‑District services, and a 100 % electric bus fleet—will reduce commute times and improve quality of life.
Businesses will find a more conducive environment with the Single Window System and MSME policies, while the clean‑energy push and Yamuna rejuvenation projects promise a healthier urban ecosystem.
Expert Insights / Tips
Urban development specialist Dr. Anil Mehta notes, “The Viksit Delhi roadmap is a holistic blueprint that integrates governance, technology, and social welfare. For students and professionals, the key takeaway is the emphasis on digital literacy and skill development.”
Practical guidance for residents:
- Leverage Digital Services: Register for an ABHA ID to access online OPD and health records.
- Utilize Atal Canteens: Take advantage of nutritious meals at affordable rates; check the official app for nearest canteen locations.
- Explore Scholarships: Apply for government scholarships and free laptop schemes; eligibility criteria are published on the Delhi Education Department portal.
- Engage in Sports: Athletes should register with the Delhi Sports Authority to avail incentive packages.
- Use Public Transport: With the upcoming electric bus fleet, commuters can expect reduced fares and cleaner air.
For entrepreneurs, the Single Window System simplifies business registration. For students, the new education hub in Narela offers state‑of‑the‑art facilities and potential internship opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Rekha Gupta’s roadmap sets a clear trajectory for Delhi’s transformation. The next milestones include:
- Completion of the 500 km Metro network by 2028.
- Full electrification of the public bus fleet by 2029.
- Launch of the Delhi Sports University by 2027.
- Rejuvenation of the Yamuna by 2030, with a target of 70 % water quality improvement.
- Implementation of the Single Window System across all departments by 2026.
These initiatives will not only elevate Delhi’s standing as a global city but also create a replicable model for other Indian metros. The Viksit Delhi roadmap, therefore, is not just a local agenda but a national benchmark for inclusive, sustainable urban development.
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