Context:
• The Delhi government has cleared ₹3,700 crore dues for land acquisition related to Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways (EPE & WPE) to improve air quality and traffic flow.
Key Highlights:
- Government Initiative / Policy Details
• Payment approved for land acquisition costs
• ₹500 crore to be released in FY 2025–26
• Remaining amount to be paid in installments to NHAI - Infrastructure & Connectivity
• 135 km six-lane ring road around Delhi
• Connects:
• Haryana: Kundli, Manesar, Palwal
• Uttar Pradesh: Ghaziabad, Baghpat, Gautam Buddh Nagar
• Operational since 2018 - Environmental & Economic Significance
• Diverts non-destined heavy vehicles away from Delhi
• Reduces:
• Traffic congestion
• Air pollution (vehicular emissions)
• Improves logistics efficiency and fuel savings - Sustainable Features
• Use of solar energy
• Drip irrigation systems for greenery along highways - Governance & Implementation
• Executed by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
• Demonstrates role of infrastructure in environmental governance
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) & Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE):
• Designed as bypass corridors around Delhi
• Peripheral Expressway:
• Highway built to divert traffic away from city centers
• NHAI:
• Autonomous body under Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
• Land Acquisition:
• Governed by Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013
Relevant Mains Points:
• Role of transport infrastructure in reducing urban pollution
• Integration of economic development with environmental sustainability
• Importance of regional connectivity (NCR planning)
• Challenges:
• Land acquisition delays
• Financing large infrastructure projects
• Impact on:
• Urban mobility
• Air quality management
- Way Forward
• Promote green highway initiatives across India
• Strengthen public transport integration with highways
• Ensure timely compensation and transparent land acquisition
• Expand logistics corridors to reduce urban congestion
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3 – Environment, Infrastructure, Economy
• GS 2 – Governance
• Prelims – NHAI, expressways, land acquisition