Political speedbreakers ahead

Surprisingly, the poor condition of roads is the second most important electoral issue this time.

Surprisingly, the poor condition of roads is the second most important electoral issue this time.

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An extended monsoon took a heavy toll on Delhi’s arterial as well as internal roads this year. “The problem was exacerbated by the ongoing construction activity and poor drainage,” said KK Kapila, Vice-chairman, International Road Federation.

Social activist Arvind Kejriwal accepted that the condition of roads had been an important issue during campaigning. “Poor roads had been a problem in Delhi but how much of it actually translates into votes will have to be seen,” said Kejriwal.

Delhi has a total road network of about 800 km, of which about 415 km is maintained by Public Works Department (PWD), which does not have a separate budget for maintenance of roads.

PWD sources say, of the annual maintenance budget of about Rs 85 crore, just about Rs 5 crore is spent on roads. Municipal Corporation of Delhi, on the other hand, maintains about 30,0000-km lane length of roads with Rs 45 crore.