Delhi: Deadlock over Government formation brings big projects to standstill

A number of projects be it flyovers, underpasses, roads and other welfare schemes have come to a standstill in Delhi where the President's Rule has entered fifth month.

As the deadlock over Government formation still persists in the national capital, projects worth several thousands of crores began under Sheila Diskhit Government's regime have lost momentum. Although various departments have been given green signal to go ahead with these projects by LG, their execution remains on hold due to lack of funds.

Projects worth over Rs 5,000 crore are on hold due to paucity of funds. Be it much awaited Signature Bridge, elevated roads connecting Vikaspuri to Wazirabad all have been on hold due lack of Government in the city.

Signature Bridge
Signature Bridge is among the most awaited projects. Initially it was proposed to open up for the public before the 2010 Commonwealth Games, but it was pushed back to September, 2015. In 2004, the Congress Government made accuses that the project began four years later. The Government, in 2006, estimated the cost of budget at Rs 459 crore, but its cost rose to Rs 1,131 crore in 2010 when it was finalised. The target has now been revised to September 2015. But now when the project cleared a number of hurdles, it is now facing a financial crunch.

Transport projects on hold
The ambitious project of connecting Vikaspuri to Wazirabad at an estimated cost of Rs 2,200 crore has been on hold. This project is aimed at making the entire section from Vikaspuri to Wazirabad signal-free with construction of seven flyovers and elevated roads.

Monorail project in east Delhi:
The ambitious project was to come up on an 11-km stretch from Shastri Park Metro station to Trilokpur. It was expected to begin in 2014.

Projects worth over Rs 5,000 crore are on hold in Delhi

Besides, there are a number of other smaller projects which are in limbo due to decision making vacuum in the city.

Moreover, a project for the conservation of 16 unprotected monuments has been hit due to lack of funds. Official said that as there is no Government in city, clearances for Phase II of the project could also take several months.

No authority to take call on power crisis
Delhiites are reeling under continuous power cuts and there is no authority to take call on the issue. Though Lieutenant Governor has issue frequent warnings to power discoms, not much has happened on the ground.

Meanwhile, LG has sent a report on the ongoing political situation to the President Pranab Mukherjee. The tenure of the current Assembly will end on December 18 and if no party form Government by that time then President's Rule will be imposed.