The Centre has approved ₹1,647 crore for 28 infrastructure projects across Delhi under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. According to reports from Business Standard, this funding is expected to accelerate several long-pending transport and civic projects while improving connectivity, public services, and urban infrastructure across the national capital. The announcement comes with an additional ₹756 crore performance incentive for the Delhi government, recognising its efforts to increase capital expenditure using state funds. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the approval during the inauguration of the Jayaprakash Narayan Public Library, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the development momentum.
The approved funding covers all 28 capital projects proposed by the Delhi government under the SASCI scheme, providing interest-free financial assistance for infrastructure creation. As reported by Business Standard, some of the key projects include expansion of the Delhi Metro network, construction of the Barapullah Elevated Corridor, development of the Karawal Nagar flyover, installation of electric vehicle charging stations at DTC depots, and road improvement projects across the city. The Barapullah project, launched in 2015, has faced years of delays due to land acquisition issues and environmental clearances but is now expected to open after completion of final construction work. Gupta highlighted that numerous public-interest initiatives including metro expansion, Barapulla Elevated Corridor, Karawal Nagar Flyover, and EV charging stations will now be realised at a rapid pace.
Apart from approving the infrastructure projects, the Centre has sanctioned an additional ₹756 crore incentive after recognising Delhi's increase in capital expenditure. According to Business Standard, under the SASCI framework, such incentives encourage governments to prioritise bigger development projects over routine administrative spending. States and Union Territories receive the funds after meeting the scheme's prescribed conditions and securing approval for eligible project proposals. Gupta stated that the Central Government has expressed its unwavering faith in Delhi's commitment to development through this additional incentive amount.
The overall package is expected to deliver improvements across several areas of daily life, including better road connectivity, faster public transport through Metro expansion, improved last-mile connectivity, greater support for electric vehicles through expanded charging facilities, and stronger civic infrastructure. As reported by Business Standard, the approved projects will be implemented by the Transport Department and the Public Works Department (PWD). Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed the Finance Department to coordinate with responsible departments to ensure construction begins without unnecessary delays. The projects will be implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Beyond the infrastructure funding, Delhi has launched several complementary development projects. On Friday, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed under the 'Catch the Rain' initiative involving Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), the Directorate of Education, and Ehsaas NGO. The agreement commits to implementing rainwater harvesting projects in 75 CM Shri Schools across Delhi, with plans to eventually cover nearly 800 Delhi Government schools for rainwater harvesting and groundwater conservation. Education Minister Ashish Sood commented that the initiative aims to convert all 1,000 government schools in Delhi into Zero Waste Campuses at the start of the current academic session.
