Delhi government approves bitumen cost hike for PWD road projects

The Delhi government has approved a one-time cost escalation proposal for the Public Works Department (PWD) to address rising bitumen prices. This adjustment aims to restart road restoration projects across the capital that had slowed due to increased material costs.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has granted approval for the price adjustment on projects spanning from April to November of this year. The increase applies strictly to the bitumen component and will be calculated using the formula prescribed by MoRTH.

Officials attributed the price volatility to the conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted bitumen imports. While the PWD manages approximately 1,400 kilometers of roads in Delhi, the current cost-escalation proposal covers 400 kilometers for which tenders have already been floated. These projects are part of broader initiatives to improve road quality, reduce dust pollution, and ease traffic congestion.