NHAI to Reduce Air Pollution on Dwarka Expressway by Installing Emission Control Devices on 25 Diesel Generators

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a significant initiative to strengthen environmental protection measures in the National Capital Region (NCR). Under this project, Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECD) will be installed on 25 diesel generator (DG) sets deployed across the 8.7-kilometer long Package-IV of the Dwarka Expressway. This specific package connects Basai to the cloverleaf intersection of the Kherki Daula/Delhi-Gurugram Expressway.

This step is being taken in compliance with the directives issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The primary objective is to reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR, particularly during the winter season, under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Since Package-IV of the Dwarka Expressway is located in an area where pollution levels spike significantly during winter, the commission has mandated emission control measures for the DG sets operating here.

These retrofit devices will be utilized on DG sets used for the expressway's lighting systems and other related operational tasks. The entire process will encompass the installation of the RECDs, their testing, commissioning, and the provision of comprehensive maintenance support.

According to the NHAI, this initiative is part of its broader vision to integrate environmental protection into the construction and operation of national highways. The authority further clarified that GPS-tagged photographs of the equipment installed on each DG set will be maintained to ensure verification and compliance. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that the expansion of national highway infrastructure remains aligned with air quality norms and regulatory frameworks.