Delhi Government Plans Major Drainage Upgrade to Prevent Waterlogging at Minto Bridge

New Delhi: The long-standing issue of waterlogging at Minto Bridge during the monsoon is set to be addressed once and for all. The Delhi government, through the Public Works Department (PWD), has formulated a master action plan to develop a comprehensive drainage system in Old Delhi, aiming to prevent rainwater accumulation in this congested area.

According to PWD officials, poorly managed drainage on key roads such as Ajmeri Gate, Paharganj, Sita Road, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, and Jawaharlal Nehru Marg has historically caused water to flow toward Minto Bridge, creating severe flooding during the rainy season. The new drainage plan will cover these and other critical roads, using modern U-shaped concrete drains to enhance capacity without requiring large-scale construction.

Project Cost and Timeline
The total project will cost approximately ₹29.14 crore and is slated for completion within three months. The specific allocation for different stretches is as follows:

Road Stretch	Cost (INR)
Ajmeri Gate to Sita Road	3,76,85,806
JLN Marg to Kamla Market Rotary via Aruna Asaf Ali Road	4,31,89,592
Zorawar Singh Marg – Pul Mithai – Gokhale Road	1,42,02,826
SPM Marg – Kaudia Pul – Chatta Rail Bridge	4,09,86,319
Kashmere Gate Metro Station – Ring Road	2,96,78,784
Ranjit Singh Marg	2,96,78,784
Boulevard Road – St. Stephen’s Hospital – Bhagwan Das Chowk	9,65,71,925

Drainage Development Details
The new drainage systems will reduce the rainwater load flowing under Minto Bridge. Key routes include Ajmeri Gate to Sita Road via Bhavbhuti Marg, JLN Marg to Delhi Gate via Aruna Asaf Ali Road, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg to Chatta Rail, and Zorawar Singh Marg to Gokhale Road. Additional systems will be installed along Kamla Market and Kashmere Gate Metro areas.

PWD officials say that the project will significantly improve rainwater management in densely populated Old Delhi and prevent the persistent flooding that has plagued commuters and residents during monsoon seasons.