Coming soon: Smoother, safer footpaths across Delhi’s main roads

According to officials, the PWD has been asked to identify and start work on the tender process for the project, to ensure that the work can begin as soon as the monsoon season is over.

“The key aim behind this project is to make footpaths in Delhi walkable for pedestrians. Presently, most footpaths across the city are encroached by small vendors and rehri-patris… The department is working to remove these encroachments… In some parts, bike users drive on the footpath to avoid traffic, and in some places, drainage overflows on the footpaths,” said a senior PWD official.

The PWD is planning to float one comprehensive tender for the repair work, the official added.

“Work in some zones has started and is now in the tendering stage… In other divisions and zones, work is underway to identify the damaged footpaths in need of repair,” said officials.

All subdivisions have been directed to expedite surveys and initiate the tender process to avoid delays post-monsoon, officials said. The project aligns with the Delhi government’s broader goal to encourage safe, green, and more accessible roads.

Besides the repair and redevelopment work, the PWD will also develop green belts on the sides of the roads by planting shrubs along with several seasonal plants.

New road signage will also be set up as part of this road improvement project, said officials.

“The PWD is also repairing main roads… In the first phase, the target is to improve 200 km and it will later be extended after its completion,” said officials.

This year, the Delhi government has set a target to repair 400 km of roads in 11 packages, including pothole filling and resurfacing. The PWD manages around 1,400 km of roads, which include key arterial stretches, major flyovers, and underpasses.