NEW DELHI — The Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the payment of ₹3,700 crore in long-pending dues for the Eastern (EPE) and Western (WPE) Peripheral Expressways.

The decision resolves a prolonged financial standoff with the Centre. The payment will be released in phases, starting with an immediate allocation of ₹500 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, followed by ₹3,203.3 crore in subsequent installments.

Impact on Delhi’s Infrastructure:

• Smart Ring Road: Together, the EPE and WPE form a 270-km six-lane corridor that diverts heavy commercial traffic away from Delhi’s core.
• Environmental Gains: By reducing the entry of diesel vehicles, the expressways have significantly lowered local pollution levels and eased congestion on the Ring Road and NH-44.
• Regional Connectivity: The network links industrial hubs across Haryana (Kundli, Manesar, Palwal) and Uttar Pradesh (Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar).

Chief Minister Gupta noted that clearing these arrears will improve inter-governmental coordination and ensure smoother execution of future infrastructure projects for the capital.