New Delhi, March 21 (NationPress) On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to address critical matters regarding the comprehensive development of the national capital. They discussed enhancing infrastructure and reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the aspirations of the populace.

Chief Minister Gupta approached PM Modi in anticipation of the upcoming presentation of the Delhi Budget 2025-26, scheduled for March 24 in the Assembly.

In her capacity as the head of the government’s Finance Department, CM Gupta emphasized the importance of pollution control, proposals aimed at empowering women, and the various infrastructure projects slated for the city.

In a social media post, Chief Minister Gupta expressed, “It was an honor to meet Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiji, where I was fortunate to gain his invaluable insights.”

“His visionary leadership and deep affection for Delhi continually invigorate us with energy and motivation. During this inspiring dialogue, we engaged in extensive discussions about the holistic development of Delhi, bolstering infrastructure, and the unwavering commitment to realizing the people's aspirations,” she added.

“With the proficient guidance and steadfast support of our Honourable Prime Minister, we are wholly dedicated to elevating Delhi to new heights of progress, prosperity, and effective governance. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Honourable Prime Minister for his ongoing inspiration and for graciously allocating his time,” she remarked.

In a significant move to enhance traffic management and improve air quality in the capital, the Delhi government has approved the settlement of its outstanding share of Rs 3,700 crore for land acquisition linked to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.

Chief Minister Gupta noted that this resolution would alleviate congestion caused by heavy vehicles and lower pollution levels in the city.

The expressways are designed to redirect non-destined traffic—particularly trucks—away from Delhi, significantly reducing the burden on city roads.

Taking a jab at the previous administration, the Chief Minister claimed that the project faced setbacks due to a lack of seriousness and political conflicts with the Centre, which resulted in intentional delays in clearing the dues, ultimately undermining Delhi’s interests.

Gupta mentioned that the Cabinet has recently endorsed a proposal from the Public Works Department to settle the outstanding dues in phases.

As part of this strategy, Rs 500 crore will be allocated in the financial year 2025-26 from the revised budget estimates to the Union government or the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The remaining Rs 3,203.33 crore will be disbursed in installments over the coming years, contingent on budgetary allocations, she stated.