Senior Congress MlA RAJ KUMAR CHAUHAN is contesting once again from Mangolpuri (reserved). He has been unbeatable since 1993 from the Assembly seat. Under his tenure as PWD Minister, the Capital witnessed remarkable infrastructure upgrade. The Barapullah elevated road, UP link Road, Salimgarh Bypass were constructed in record time before 2010 Commonwealth Games. He has also been instrumental in regularisation of 1,050 unauthorised colonies in 2008. In an exclusive with Rajesh Kumar, the Congress nominee sounded confident about retaining power in the Capital, the fourth time round
Why should the people of Delhi give Congress a fourth termIJ
We are seeking votes on the basis of our performance in the last 15 years. Under the able leadership of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Delhi has indeed become a world-class city. Apart from being an experienced administrator, she has a vision for the Capital. Sheila Dikshit Government is the only Government in the country which has spent 65 per cent of the annual budget on the social sector. There are over three dozen programmes being run by the Government for the poor, SC/ST, OBC and minority community welfare. It was due to our ability and credibility, people had chosen us for a third consecutive term and I am sure they will vote for us this time as well.
Even though Delhi is known as the city of flyovers, traffic jams have worsened of lateIJ
The situation on Delhi roads cannot be improved until the cops review traffic management. Delhi has enough roads, the Government has built enough flyovers to ease traffic flow, but the system needs to be streamlined. Now it is up to the Traffic Police to review its management and implement it effectively. Traffic Police should study the pattern of vehicular movement in various sections and bespoke solutions. They can utilise two-way roads as a single lane during peak hours. The bulk of traffic moves in one direction during office hours — both mornings and evenings. They should use the other side of the road as an extra lane during this period to ease gridlock. This practice is already being adhered to in Mumbai.
Traffic snarls due to bottlenecks are regular at several locations, particularly ITO, one of Asia’s busiest intersections. Has the Government planned to rid the city of infernal traffic jamsIJ
The PWD has conducted a study and design for ITO flyover and an engineering body under the lieutenant Governor is examining the project. The ITO flyover will be a priority for Congress Government. The project was delayed after Delhi Metro insisted on a Metro line here. Earlier, the ITO project was on hold due to Bus Rapid Transit corridor. Not only will the ITO flyover be a priority for the next Government, several other intersections experiencing traffic snarls — Ashram Flyover, Wazirabad, Press Enclave-Adhchini Marg, Outer Ring near IIT Gate to NH-8, New Rohtak Road-Zakhira and Anand Parbat — too will be given top priority.
What are your achievements as an MlAIJ
As an MlA and PWD Minister, I started an elevated road from Mangolpuri to Madhuban Chowk. A flyover at Mangolpuri is under construction. Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in my constituency has been upgraded from 50 beds to 200 beds and several facilities such as a mortuary, blood bank, 24-hour emergency service were also introduced. The ITI Mangolpuri is also under construction. A world-class swimming pool is being constructed at C block. Two night shelters have been constructed. The 1,200 new classrooms constructed and nine sarvodaya schools have been opened in the past few years. Shaheed Bhagat Singh stadium is being refurbished. In my constituency, 23 new Bharat Ghar and four Chaupals have been made. A total of 18,000 senior citizens and widows are receiving pension.
What is the future plan for this constituencyIJ
There is a proposal to increase the strength of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital from 200 beds to 500 beds. The proposal to create a trauma centre is also underway. If the Congress is voted to power, we will go ahead with this proposal. Metro rail via Peera Garhi, Mangolpuri, Madhuban Chowk is also in the works.