Upcoming elections in Delhi hold up key infrastructure projects

Key infrastructure projects in Delhi, already hindered by intermittent curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap), are likely to remain in limbo at least until mid-February, as the Delhi assembly elections have triggered the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

- Paras Singh

NEW DELHI: With the MCC in place, officials said, new approvals or announcements cannot be made until after the polls.

Among the affected projects are the presentation of municipal budget, road re-carpeting in dilapidated areas, and the redevelopment of the Shivaji Bus Terminal near Connaught Place.

A senior official from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said that delays due to the absence of a standing committee were already affecting the civic body's work. Now, with the MCC in effect, "no new work orders can be issued" until it is lifted. The official also noted that this disruption would likely impact the corporation's annual budget cycle since new announcements are prohibited during the election period.

The assembly elections in Delhi will be held in a single phase on February 5, while the votes will be counted on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17. The date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18. While last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20. As the elections approach, political parties have intensified their campaigns.