New Delhi, March 21 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday and discussed issues related to the development of the national capital, strengthening infrastructure, and fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
Chief Minister Gupta met with PM Modi ahead of the presentation of the Delhi Budget for 2025-26 in the Assembly on March 24.
CM Rekha Gupta also heads the government's Finance Department.
Discussions also included pollution mitigation, proposals focused on women, and infrastructure projects planned for the city.
In a social media post, Chief Minister Gupta said: "I had the privilege of meeting Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiji, during which I received his invaluable guidance."
"His visionary leadership and special affection for Delhi always fill us with fresh energy and inspiration. During this inspiring meeting, we held detailed discussions on Delhi's all-round development, strengthening infrastructure, and the commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people," she said.
"With the able guidance and continuous support of the Honourable Prime Minister, we are fully committed to taking our Delhi to new heights of progress, prosperity, and good governance. Heartfelt thanks to the Honourable Prime Minister for his constant inspiration and for giving his valuable time," she wrote.
Earlier, in a significant move aimed at improving traffic flow and air quality in the capital, the Delhi government approved the payment of its outstanding share of Rs 3,700 crore for land acquisition related to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.
Chief Minister Gupta said the decision would help ease congestion caused by heavy vehicles and bring down pollution levels in the city.
These expressways were designed to divert non-destined traffic – especially trucks – away from Delhi, thereby reducing pressure on city roads.
Taking a swipe at the previous government, the Chief Minister alleged that the project had suffered due to a lack of seriousness and political differences with the Centre, which led to deliberate delays in clearing the dues, ultimately harming Delhi’s interests.
Gupta said the Cabinet recently approved a proposal by the Public Works Department to clear the outstanding amount in a phased manner.
As part of this plan, Rs 500 crore will be released 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 paid in instalments in the coming years, depending on budgetary provisions, she said.