The Delhi cabinet has sanctioned the payment of the government’s outstanding share for the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways. “The project faced setbacks due to the previous government’s lack of urgency and its political disagreements with the Centre.
There were intentional delays in settling dues, which ultimately undermined Delhi’s interests,” stated Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The cabinet approved a proposal from the Public Works Department to disburse the outstanding amount in a phased approach. As part of this strategy, ₹500 crore will be allocated in the financial year 2025-26 from revised budget estimates to the Union government or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The remaining ₹3,203.3 crore will be paid in installments in the following years, contingent upon budgetary provisions. The Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) and Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE) collectively create a 270-km ‘smart ring road’ encircling Delhi. Each expressway spans approximately 135 km and features six lanes, specifically designed to redirect heavy and commercial vehicles that do not require entry into the city.
Officials have indicated that this has alleviated pressure on Delhi’s roadways, restricted the influx of diesel vehicles, and contributed to reduced pollution levels. The expressways have also mitigated congestion on vital corridors such as Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, and national highways including NH-44 and NH-48, resulting in time and fuel savings for commuters.
They link significant hubs in Haryana – Kundli, Manesar, and Palwal – as well as Uttar Pradesh – Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Baghpat – making them essential for logistics and trade in northern India. Having been operational since 2018, the EPE and WPE are recognized as India’s first ‘smart and green’ expressways, featuring innovations such as solar power generation and drip irrigation for roadside plantations.
