New Delhi: Delhi govt is planning a set of infrastructure projects aimed at easing congestion and boosting development in the Trans-Yamuna region, with proposals likely to be placed and financial allocations sought in the budget session next week.At the centre of the plan is a bridge across the Yamuna intended to improve connectivity between east Delhi and central parts of the city. Officials said discussions are still at a preliminary stage, with Trans Yamuna Area Development Board asked to study the bridge’s possible location and feasibility.One option involves replacing the ageing Old Iron Bridge, known as Loha Pul, or constructing a new one near Signature Bridge. The study will cover the entire stretch from Wazirabad to Kalindi Kunj, focusing on traffic flow, congestion points and technical challenges.Arvinder Singh Lovely, chairperson of the board, said that Loha Pul is outdated and a new bridge could help distribute traffic more evenly and strengthen links between northeast, north and central Delhi. Railway authorities constructing a parallel structure to Loha Pul and potentially diverting train traffic from it further opens up possibilities for the Pul’s redevelopment or replacement.The board also plans to build a four-kilometre-long elevated corridor along Trunk Drain 1 to declog the crucial Swami Dayanand Marg, which connects Anand Vihar to Shahdara and is one of east Delhi’s most congested stretches, officials aware of the matter said on Thursday.The elevated road is set to originate from near Shyamlal College and Bihari Colony, close to Shahdara flyover on GT Road, and end near Karkari Mor flyover. The project was recently reviewed during a site inspection by Public Works Department (PWD), irrigation and flood control minister Parvesh Verma, Lovely and local MLAs.These projects are set to be taken up along with PWD, one of the officials said.Delhi govt is also reviving efforts to upgrade civic infrastructure in east Delhi’s commercial hubs. The board is preparing a redevelopment plan for Gandhi Nagar Market, said to be Asia’s largest wholesale garment market. A consultant has been appointed to conduct a survey and draw up a blueprint. Despite its economic importance, the market currently struggles with inadequate basic facilities like proper roads, drainage systems, sanitation and drinking water.The officials said its redevelopment aims to enhance both trader and visitor experience while supporting economic growth in the Trans-Yamuna belt. Long-standing demands from traders for improved infrastructure are expected to be addressed.The earlier AAP govt proposed to redevelop the market, but the plan remained on paper.
