Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi, alongside key members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has launched a citywide pothole-free initiative with the goal of completing repairs by Diwali 2024. The campaign is a direct response to nearly 10,000 complaints received by the Public Works Department (PWD) over the last two months regarding potholes, broken roads, and waterlogging throughout the city.

At a press conference announcing the campaign, Atishi emphasized the need for swift action to improve road infrastructure ahead of the festive season. She expressed confidence that the initiative would result in safer and smoother roads for Delhi residents by the end of October. The project involves large-scale inspections and repair work, overseen by AAP ministers, who have been tasked with ensuring the timely resolution of complaints.

The campaign is also an attempt to address the chronic issue of waterlogging, which has aggravated road conditions across key areas in the city. Officials stated that the PWD is working in coordination with other government agencies to identify the most affected regions and expedite repairs. The AAP government has pledged to deliver durable solutions, aiming to elevate Delhi’s overall urban infrastructure.

However, not everyone is supportive of the move. Critics from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been quick to denounce the initiative, arguing that the AAP government is responsible for the current state of the roads due to neglect in its previous term. BJP leaders claim that this sudden urgency in fixing the roads is driven by the upcoming elections, suggesting the AAP is making politically motivated decisions to secure votes.

BJP spokespersons pointed out that AAP had ample time to address infrastructure issues but failed to do so in a timely manner, allowing the city’s road conditions to deteriorate over the years. They argue that the initiative is being rolled out in an opportunistic fashion, designed to bolster the party’s image rather than genuinely addressing Delhi’s infrastructure challenges.

Despite this political back-and-forth, the AAP government remains committed to its objective of transforming Delhi’s roads. Officials argue that road maintenance requires continuous effort, and they have acknowledged that previous delays were partially caused by the monsoon season, which exacerbated existing damage. AAP ministers have urged citizens to focus on the results of the campaign rather than the political narratives surrounding it.

Delhi’s road repair campaign is particularly important for key residential and commercial areas where poor road conditions have disrupted daily commutes and business operations. With Diwali marking a significant festival in the city, the AAP government’s push for visible improvements is seen as a way to foster public goodwill and restore confidence in their governance.

One notable feature of the initiative is its emphasis on community feedback. Delhi residents are encouraged to report damaged roads via the PWD helpline and mobile app, enabling authorities to quickly address the most pressing issues. This citizen engagement is a cornerstone of the campaign, reflecting the AAP’s commitment to responsive governance.

What’s Next?

As road repair efforts ramp up in Delhi, the AAP government is keen on completing its mission in time for Diwali. Several high-profile areas, such as Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, and Greater Kailash, have already begun infrastructure assessments to identify priority roads for repair.

With increased manpower and technological resources directed toward fixing Delhi’s roads, the campaign’s success could serve as a model for urban infrastructure development in other cities. However, it also represents a key moment for AAP, as the party seeks to balance public expectations with political criticism in the lead-up to elections.

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