CM orders probe into Barapullah elevated road project irregularities

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday directed the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) to investigate alleged irregularities in the Barapullah elevated road phase-III project, blaming the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for delays and a costly arbitration payout of Rs 175 crore to the project contractor.

Chairing a meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee, the CM reviewed the long-delayed infrastructure project and slammed the earlier administration for negligence that resulted in the contractor receiving an arbitration award. She said the project, initially scheduled to be completed in October 2017, was marred by procedural lapses, delayed clearances and poor decision-making during the AAP’s tenure.

“This is yet another example of corruption and negligence under the previous AAP government,” said the CM.

She said the contractor had earlier offered to settle the dispute for just Rs 35 crore, but the AAP government ignored the offer. Eventually, the matter escalated to the Delhi High Court, which in May 2023 ordered the Public Works Department (PWD) to pay Rs 175 crore, including interest and GST. The payment was made during the tenure of former PWD Minister Atishi.

The Barapullah phase-III project, connecting Sarai Kale Khan to Mayur Vihar phase-III, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion between South and East Delhi. Approved in September 2011, the project began construction in April 2015, with a stipulated timeline of 30 months and an initial cost estimate of Rs 1,260.63 crore.

So far, 87 per cent of the work has been completed, with Rs 1,238.68 crore already spent. The total revised project cost now stands at Rs 1,330 crore.

Officials said tree removal along the alignment is expected soon, after which construction will accelerate. For FY 2025-26, a budget of Rs 150 crore was allocated, of which Rs 86.43 crore had been utilised by June 2025.

PWD Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh and senior officials attended the meeting. The CM directed officials to adhere strictly to the revised timeline and warned that “no further delays will be tolerated”.

She assured that her government would provide all necessary financial and administrative support to complete the project and deliver long-overdue relief to commuters.