CM announces multi-crore boost for MCD to upgrade roads, schools and sanitation

New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Monday announced a special financial assistance package worth several thousand crore rupees for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), calling it a crucial step towards making the Capital cleaner, more developed and less polluted.The package focuses on strengthening road infrastructure, sanitation systems, municipal schools and civic amenities across the city. Stressing that Delhi's growth depends on strong and adequately funded local bodies, the chief minister said the allocation reflects the govt's commitment to decentralised and transparent governance. Special provisions have also been created under the Chief Minister's Development Fund (CMDF).
For the 2026–27 financial year, proposals worth around Rs 1,330 crore have been drawn up for road paving and development. The plan includes construction, repair and strengthening of nearly 1,000km of roads under 60 feet in width that fall within MCD jurisdiction.Earlier, MCD identified the maximum share of roads requiring redevelopment. Of its 6,127.8km road network — the largest maintained by any civic agency in Delhi — around 1,202km, or 19.6%, had been earmarked for improvement. These roads, primarily internal colony lanes and market stretches, see heavy local traffic and frequent wear and tear.Officials said the initiative is expected to significantly cut dust pollution, particularly during winter months.The chief minister instructed that all major road improvement works be completed by Sept 30. She also called for expediting administrative processes and ensuring transparency in tenders.To modernise sanitation services, Delhi govt has approved a long-term project worth around Rs 2,300 crore under a 10-year operational expenditure model.As part of this plan, 70 additional mechanical road-sweeping machines will be deployed to expand cleaning coverage. These will operate alongside existing machines for better dust and waste removal. The govt will also introduce 1,000 electric litter pickers to make sanitation operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.In the education sector, Rs 50 crore has been allocated for upgrading MCD primary schools, including improvements in infrastructure, classroom conditions and sanitation facilities.Another Rs 50 crore has been sanctioned for repairing and upgrading 298 community buildings, many of which are used by economically weaker sections for social functions.