Rekha Gupta: Improving Roads, Sewers, Parking is Delhi Govt’s Priority

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta kicked off a transformative initiative for the national capital by inaugurating an automated multilevel puzzle car parking facility at Punjabi Bagh cremation ground on Thursday. Marking her government’s first year in office, Gupta emphasized that upgrading basic infrastructure—roads, sewers, schools, hospitals, and parking—is her administration’s top priority to improve the quality of life for Delhi’s residents.

For decades, Delhi has grappled with crumbling infrastructure and urban chaos, with parking disputes often escalating into conflicts across the city’s crowded neighborhoods and markets. “Parking issues spark fights and frustration daily,” Gupta said during the inauguration. “This automated multilevel parking facility is a game-changer, and we need such solutions in every market and colony to ease the burden on our citizens.” The state-of-the-art facility, designed to maximize space and efficiency, is the first of many planned to tackle the capital’s parking woes.

Gupta revealed an ambitious goal to construct 100 such automated parking facilities within the next 18 months, including the tendering process. Challenging the slow pace of traditional infrastructure projects, she recounted her conversation with officials: “When I asked how long it takes to build such a facility, they said several years. I pointed out that if our Prime Minister can build a new Parliament in a year, we can do this much faster. I’ve directed them to complete these projects within a year, and if they do, I’ll sanction funds for 20 more annually.”

Also Read: CM Gupta Raises Cleanliness Concerns During 'Shramdaan' in Chandni Chowk

To ensure these facilities are accessible, Gupta stressed that parking charges at automated multilevel structures must remain lower than surface parking rates. “We want people to embrace these facilities, not shy away from them due to cost,” she said. This approach reflects her government’s focus on practical, people-centric solutions over flashy, large-scale projects. “I’m not chasing grand monuments,” Gupta added. “My goal is to fix the basics—roads, sewers, parking, and traffic jams—so Delhiites can live with ease and dignity.”

The Punjabi Bagh facility is a pilot for a broader vision to modernize Delhi’s infrastructure. Gupta’s administration is tackling long-standing issues that have plagued the city for 27 years, from pothole-ridden roads and outdated flyovers to overcrowded schools and hospitals. The parking initiative, in particular, addresses a critical pain point in a city where vehicle numbers have surged, but parking spaces have not kept pace. By introducing automated systems, the government aims to optimize limited urban space while reducing street congestion and disputes.

Gupta’s hands-on approach has sparked optimism among residents, who have long demanded better infrastructure. Local shopkeepers in Punjabi Bagh welcomed the new facility, noting that parking shortages often deter customers from visiting markets. “This is a step in the right direction,” said Anil Sharma, a local trader. “If parking becomes easier and cheaper, it will boost business and reduce chaos on the roads.”

The Chief Minister’s directive to fast-track 100 parking projects signals a broader commitment to transforming Delhi into a more livable city. Beyond parking, her government is prioritizing upgrades to public transport, sewer systems, and traffic management to address the capital’s urban challenges holistically. “We’re working against time to deliver results,” Gupta said. “Delhi deserves infrastructure that matches its status as India’s capital.”

As the city looks ahead, Gupta’s focus on practical infrastructure improvements could set the tone for her tenure. The success of the automated parking initiative will be closely watched, with residents hoping it marks the beginning of a new era of efficiency and accessibility in Delhi. For now, the Punjabi Bagh facility stands as a symbol of Gupta’s promise to prioritize the needs of the common citizen over grandiose projects, paving the way for a more organized and commuter-friendly capital.

Also Read: Delhi’s E-Bus Revolution: 6 New Substations Power 1,200 Buses