The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has been criticized by the Supreme Court for not releasing funds for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project. The court has directed the Delhi government to transfer the money to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) immediately, stating that if national projects like these are affected while money is being spent on advertisements, the court would consider redirecting the funds to infrastructure development.
The Supreme Court’s remarks came during a hearing on petitions filed after a spike in air pollution in the capital. The RRTS project aims to reduce vehicular pollution in the National Capital Region. A recent collaboration between the Delhi government and IIT-Kanpur found that vehicular emissions account for around 38% of the capital’s air pollution.
The RRTS project was proposed by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) to improve connectivity within Delhi-NCR and reduce dependence on road transport. The project aims to connect urban, industrial, regional, and sub-regional centers through a fast rail-based system. The NCRPB conducted a study projecting figures for 2032 and identified eight rapid transit corridors. Phase 1 includes the construction of three corridors: Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Panipat, and Delhi-Alwar.
The Delhi-Meerut corridor, known as RAPIDX, is approximately 82 km in length. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 31,632 crores, with a 60:40 debt equity ratio. The central government, Uttar Pradesh government, and Asian Development Bank have already provided their share of funds. The first RRTS corridor is expected to reduce 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year and cater to a daily ridership of 800,000 people.
However, the ongoing controversy revolves around the Delhi government’s failure to contribute its share of funds for the RRTS project. Despite initially agreeing to make budgetary provisions, the government claimed a lack of funds and reneged on its promise. The NCRTC filed an application alleging breach of undertaking by the Delhi government. The Supreme Court expressed disappointment at the government’s claims of fund shortage while spending a significant amount on advertisements.
The Delhi government has assigned Rs 550 crore in the budget for advertisements in the current financial year, while its share for the RRTS project is Rs 415 crore. This has raised concerns among citizens about the government’s priorities and its delay in contributing to infrastructure projects that could help combat pollution.
The Delhi-NCR region continues to suffer from severe pollution, with vehicular emissions being a major contributing factor. The government has been collecting an environment compensation charge on diesel cars to address pollution concerns. The Supreme Court previously allowed the use of a portion of this fund for the Delhi-Meerut corridor due to project delays.
The Supreme Court’s order highlights the lack of intention or inclination on the part of the Delhi government to allocate funds for infrastructure projects like the RRTS. This has sparked criticism from citizens who feel frustrated with the government’s failure to prioritize projects that could alleviate pollution and improve transportation in the region.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court has criticized the Delhi government for not releasing funds for the RRTS project and has directed them to transfer the money immediately. The ongoing controversy raises concerns about the government’s priorities and its delay in contributing to infrastructure projects aimed at reducing pollution in the capital.
