Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Singh inaugurates Najafgarh drain footbridge project
New Delhi, August 3
Delhi Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Monday inaugurated the construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the Najafgarh Drain in North Delhi, fulfilling a long-standing demand of local residents.
According to the PWD, the bridge, to be completed within seven months, will significantly improve pedestrian connectivity and provide a safe, convenient crossing for thousands of daily commuters.
The new footbridge will connect Gud Mandi, Rajpura, Roop Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar and the Yamuna route, making travel easier for students, senior citizens, office-goers and local residents who have long struggled with limited and unsafe crossing options.
Speaking at the inauguration, Parvesh Sahib Singh said the project reflects the Delhi Government's commitment to strengthening public infrastructure while ensuring the safety of citizens.
Recalling the recent bridge collapse reported a few months ago, the Minister said that the incident highlighted the urgent need for regular structural assessments.
He noted that no comprehensive audit of bridges had been undertaken during the previous government, leaving several critical structures without proper safety evaluation.
"Today, we are conducting a city-wide audit of all bridges, flyovers and foot over bridges across Delhi to ensure public safety. At the same time, we are not waiting for problems to worsen. We sanctioned nearly ₹2 crore for this new footbridge in a short span of time, and work has now begun," he said.
The Minister added that the project is not merely about constructing a bridge but about restoring public confidence in Delhi's infrastructure. Once completed, the footbridge will offer a secure and accessible passage, reduce inconvenience for pedestrians and improve connectivity between surrounding neighbourhoods.
In a post on X, the PWD Minister wrote, "Today, the foundation stone for the construction of a new footbridge over Najafgarh Drain (Rajpura Goods Market) was laid. A few months ago, the old bridge at this very location had collapsed. This incident was a result of the neglect of infrastructure by previous governments and the lack of timely audits."
He added that the department has approved the construction of the new footbridge at a cost of approximately ₹2 crore in a very short time.
"Our department has approved the construction of this new footbridge at a cost of approximately ₹2 crore in a very short time, and today we have inaugurated it. Our working style is clear: not to postpone problems, but to resolve them in a timely and permanent manner. This bridge will not only connect the two banks but will also pave the way for people's convenience, safety, and new development. MLA Ashok Goel and local residents were present along with us," the post read.
Local residents welcomed the initiative, describing it as the fulfilment of a demand that had remained pending for years.
The project is expected to improve daily mobility, particularly for school children, elderly citizens and those who rely on walking to access markets, public transport and nearby residential areas.
The Delhi Government reaffirmed its commitment to creating safe, durable and people-centric infrastructure that addresses long-pending civic needs while improving the quality of life for citizens across the Capital.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I wish they would also focus on regular maintenance of existing bridges. We saw what happened a few months ago with that collapse - it's scary how many structures might be vulnerable. At least someone is finally doing a proper audit. Better late than never! 👍
₹2 crore for a footbridge seems reasonable. But I hope they use good quality material and proper engineering standards. The previous government really neglected our infrastructure, so it's good to see the new minister taking this seriously. My grandmother lives near Roop Nagar and she'll definitely use this bridge daily.
Impressive to see infrastructure development happening. The city-wide audit of all bridges is particularly commendable - proactive approach rather than reactive. Hope the 7-month timeline is met and the bridge serves the community well for decades.
It's good to see local demands being fulfilled. But honestly, this should have been done years ago! The previous government really failed us. Hope this is not just election talk and actual work happens on ground. Will keep an eye on the progress. 🤞
Almost 11 years in Delhi and I've seen how much these local infrastructure projects matter to communities. This bridge will make a real difference for daily commuters, especially the elderly who struggle with unsafe crossings. Also glad to see they're not just building new but also auditing existing structures. Smart approach!
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