The Delhi government has begun work on developing a corridor along the Najafgarh Drain Corridor in southwest Delhi, aiming to improve road connectivity with key parts of the Capital and major expressways.
According to officials, the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department has invited bids worth ₹9.2 crore for the first phase of the project. This phase involves constructing a double-lane road along the Chhawla–Dhulsiras stretch on the right bank of the drain. The project will include dismantling the damaged surface, rebuilding the road with new drainage systems, installing street lighting, and adding horticultural features. The contractor will also be responsible for five years of free maintenance after completion.
Part of a Larger Connectivity Plan
The Najafgarh drain, once known as the Sahibi River, originates in Rajasthan and meets the Yamuna at Dhansa. In Delhi, it runs for 57 km, with 18 km through rural areas and 39 km through urban zones. It is also the largest source of pollution in the Yamuna, making its rejuvenation a key government priority.
Parallel to the corridor project, the I&FC has launched the Najafgarh Riverfront Project near Dwarka’s Vipin Garden. This redevelopment covers 50 acres, including a 21-acre park with walking tracks, play areas, a Chhat Ghat, parking, and landscaped green spaces.
Benefits for Residents
The corridor is expected to ease congestion and provide alternative routes for thousands of residents in areas such as Punjabi Bagh, Paschim Vihar, Nilothi, Baprola, Kakrola, Najafgarh, Dwarka, Vikaspuri, Uttam Nagar, Janakpuri, and Chhawla. It will offer faster access to Basaidarapur, Dwarka Expressway, the airport, and Delhi’s Inner and Outer Ring Roads.
Long-Pending Development
The idea of building a road along the Najafgarh drain has been discussed for over a decade. A similar plan proposed in 2012 faced resistance from environmental groups, while a 27 km project announced in 2022 did not take off. Earlier this year, the central government unveiled plans for a 60.77 km network of roads along the drain, including two-lane roads on both banks between Chhawla and Basaidarapur.
Officials clarified that the ongoing ₹9.2 crore Chhawla–Dhulsiras project is the first step in this larger 60 km corridor, which will be executed in phases.
Also Read: Najafgarh Drain Redevelopment: Delhi Plans 21-Acre Recreational Park in Dwarka