Delhi Finance Minister Kailash Gehlot presented the Rs 78,800-crore Delhi Budget 2023-24. Among big announcements, Gehlot proposed the construction of three unique double-decker flyovers while announcing the highlights of the infrastructure, health and education focussed state budget.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader also announced the target for meeting 25% of Delhi’s annual electricity demand through solar power. Currently, solar power sources cater to just 9% of Delhi’s overall electricity demand.
During his budget speech, Gehlot proposed an ambitious plan to transform the city of Delhi. It includes the construction of 26 flyovers, bridges, and underpasses, which would not only help ease traffic congestion but also provide much-needed infrastructure for the city’s growing population.
Flyovers, underpasses, e-buses & more
Delhi Budget 2023-24 proposals put forth by Gehlot also include the upgradation of the 1,400-km PWD road network, which would make commuting easier for people across the city.
Additionally, Gehlot proposed the induction of 1,900 zero-emission electric buses by the end of 2023, which would significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 1.07 lakh tonnes. The Delhi government also plans to construct 1,400 new modern bus shelters across the city to support this.
The government also promised to connect all colonies to the sewer network and increase the capacities of sewage treatment plants to clean Yamuna, one of the city’s most polluted rivers.
The Delhi government would construct three unique double-decker flyovers in collaboration with DMRC.
The plan also included the electrification of 57 existing bus depots, the construction of 9 new bus depots, 3 ISBTs, and 2 multi-level bus depots in Delhi.
The Delhi government also planned to implement a six-point action plan for a clean Yamuna and launch the Mohalla Bus scheme for last-mile connectivity. The government planned to launch 100 e-buses in 2023-24 and 2,180 in the next two years.
Health, sanitation & education
A serious health challenge faced by Delhiites is mounting piles of garbage in landfills for years. Gehlot promised to provide every possible help to MCD to remove the three mountains of garbage in Delhi in two years. Okhla landfill would be removed by December 2023, Bhalswa by March 2024, and Ghazipur by December 2024. MCD would receive Rs 850 crore for flattening landfills. To support the local bodies, the government also planned to give financial assistance of Rs 8,241 crore in the financial year 2023-24.
Delhi would treat 890 million gallons of sewage a day by March 2024, Gehlot announced.
The Delhi government planned to build nine new hospitals, with four to be operational this year, increasing the hospital bed count from 14,000 to 30,000. The government also planned to increase water availability in Delhi from 995 million gallons a day to 1,240 MGD by March 2025
The Delhi government also planned to provide 350 Delhi government schools with 20 computers each, and all teachers, principals, and vice-principals would receive tablets. The government also planned to open 100 Mahila Mohalla Clinics in 2023-24.
