SC Criticizes Delhi Government for Withholding Funds for Regional Rapid Transport System

The Supreme Court has rebuked the Delhi government for failing to fulfill its commitment to provide funds for the Regional Rapid Transport System (RRTS) project and has directed the transfer of funds designated for advertising to the crucial infrastructure initiative. While the court has temporarily held off implementing the order, it has warned of attaching the government’s advertisement budget if funds are not promptly allocated for the RRTS project within the next week.

The National Capital Regional Transport Corporation (NCRTC) filed an application citing the Delhi government’s delay in disbursing the funds mandated by the court for the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project. Despite the court’s order in April, the government has only released a portion of the required amount, causing significant concern and prompting the court’s intervention.

Expressing disappointment at the “gross breach” of assurances by the Delhi government, the court emphasized the urgency of timely fund allocation for national projects like the RRTS. It noted that, over the last three years, substantial sums, nearly Rs 1100 crores, have been allocated for advertising, raising concerns about misplaced priorities.

The court, seeking compliance within a week, emphasized that if the funds were not transferred within the stipulated time frame, the order directing the utilization of the advertisement budget for the RRTS project would be enforced. This move underscores the court’s commitment to expediting crucial infrastructure initiatives and ensuring that designated funds are utilized for their intended purpose.