New Delhi: Delhi govt has approved a proposal submitted by Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) for the redevelopment of roads in key industrial areas like Okhla, Badli and Patparganj, most of which are currently in poor condition.“Delhi govt is committed to developing world-class infrastructure across the city’s industrial areas, as good roads are the backbone of industrial growth. Work is likely to begin shortly. The initiative will not only improve connectivity, but also create a cleaner, safer and more productive environment for thousands of industrial units,” industries minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Thursday.The overhaul is expected to ensure the areas can support the growing industrial activity and heavy vehicular movement. The project, to be executed in phases over the next three financial years, will cost about Rs 745 crore. Officials said it will be funded through a mix of departmental and govt grants — Rs 474 crore will come from the DSIDC fund and Rs 271 crore will likely be requested from CM’s development fund.The plan, set to kick off in the current fiscal, will cover areas such as Wazirpur, Jhilmil, Naraina, Badli, Rajasthani Udyog Nagar and Najafgarh.Ashok Gupta, member of Wazirpur Small Industries Association, said the industrial estate has about 2,000 small industrial units. “The roads have not been repaired in the past two years. They damage the thousands of vehicles coming to the area every day, and cause delays and inconvenience to people,” said Gupta. Arun Popli, chairman of Okhla Chamber of Industries, said the roads of several industrial areas are in bad shape, mostly due to frequent digging by agencies and a lack of proper maintenance.In the next financial year, the road redevelopment plan will extend to Udyog Nagar, Patparganj Industrial Area, Okhla Industrial Area Phase-II, Lawrence Road and DSIIDC sheds in Nangloi.“Areas where roads were found to be in a worse condition have been prioritised in the initial phases, while those with relatively better infrastructure will be taken up later. This approach ensures that the most critical stretches receive immediate attention and that the overall redevelopment progresses in a systematic manner,” said an official.The final phase, planned in FY 2027–28, will focus on GT Karnal Road, Mayapuri Phases I and II, Mangolpuri and Kirti Nagar, among others. “The redevelopment will include road strengthening, with the focus on ensuring the roads are durable. It will significantly enhance industrial infrastructure, reduce maintenance issues and improve mobility for thousands of workers and entrepreneurs,” said another official.
