‘Adopt a flyover’: Delhi govt set to roll out new policy

“More than 100 flyovers in Delhi are under the PWD’s jurisdiction. We have noticed that spaces under these flyovers are filled with garbage and waste… many have also been encroached upon… So, we are planning to come up with a policy that will help utilise these areas,” Singh said on Thursday.

Under this policy, the PWD will invite tenders and selected companies can adopt flyovers. “A company or an institution can adopt five flyovers in one package for its beautification and upkeep,” Singh said. He added that even after the flyovers have been adopted, the PWD will continue to look into their repair and maintenance.

“These companies will maintain cleanliness, remove encroachment under the flyovers and defacement from walls, as well as increase greenery. The area below a flyover can also be developed into a play area, open gym, or a library,” Singh said, adding that street arts on pillars and flyover walls will give the structures an aesthetic look.

This will not only showcase Delhi roads in a good light but also help people to enjoy the commute, he said.

Singh said directions have been issued to the department to prepare a proposal for the policy. “The aim is also to make the flyovers and road stretches beautiful — be it in South or Outer Delhi. While the government will hand out contracts to companies for a year, we will give them ratings — gold and platinum — for best work…. Gradually, subways and underpasses will be brought under the policy,” he added.

The PWD maintains around 1,400 km of key roads, including flyovers and underpasses.

Under the previous AAP government, the PWD had proposed to develop spaces below the flyovers by building sports areas and multi-utility centres, among others.

Officials had said a badminton court, open gym, yoga and multi-utility area were planned under the Lajpat Nagar flyover – the 5.5-km stretch from Moolchand to Ashram. However, the then PWD Minister, Atishi, had denied any such plan. “There is no such plan under consideration. No such plan can be made without my approval and no such plan has ever been put up before me,” she had said.

Meanwhile, Singh said the government is planning to develop a revenue advertisement policy for foot overbridges (FOBs). “The aim is to generate revenue by giving advertisements on FOBs… The plan has been approved and will be sent to the MCD for further approval and processing,” he added.

Further, to keep roadsides, pavements and footpaths clean, the PWD has revised its drainage, cleaning and desilting contract rules. Now, contractors will have to remove debris and silt from the drain within 24 hours, said officials.