Delhi Government Launches Vigilance Inquiry into Barapullah Elevated Corridor Construction Irregularities

The Delhi government announced a vigilance inquiry on Monday into alleged irregularities surrounding the construction of the Barapullah phase-3 elevated corridor. The inquiry was initiated following a decision at an Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) meeting led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, alongside Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma, calling for a probe by the Anti-Corruption Branch.

A government statement pointed to potential corruption linked to the previous AAP administration, involving a delayed flyover project completion and a significant Rs 175 crore payment to the contractor. Originally meant to be completed in October 2017, the project's delays led to arbitration, resulting in a high court ruling favoring a payout to the contractor, which was fulfilled under the then-PWD minister Atishi.

The inquiry also seeks to determine potential complicity among PWD officials amid claims that previous settlement offers were ignored, escalating the issue legally. The project, launched in 2015 with a cost estimate of Rs 1,260.63 crore, is 87% complete, and the state has allocated additional funds for its progression in the financial year 2025–26.

(With inputs from agencies.)