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World

Cost, deadline revised, road overhauls slowed by West Asia war set to pick up pace

indianexpress.com ·

Cost, deadline revised, road overhauls slowed by West Asia war set to pick up pace

The US-Iran conflict in West Asia has slowed down the strengthening and repair of 162 km of roads in Delhi, due to a significant increase in bitumen prices. The Delhi government’s Public Works Department (PWD) now aims to complete the project before the end of the year. The Finance department’s Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has approved a revised cost of Rs 587.95 crore, up from the original Rs 394 crore estimate.

The revised cost is around 50% higher than originally projected. Bitumen, a key component in road construction, saw its price surge due to disrupted supply chains in the Middle East. The EFC has approved preliminary estimates of Rs 215.23 crore for the East Maintenance Zone and Rs 372.72 crore for the North Maintenance Zone, marking a 46% and 51% increase, respectively, from the original estimates.

The delayed completion has been attributed to the conflict, but authorities are now moving forward with the project to complete it before the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) winter season.

Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Read the original at indianexpress.com →

More in World

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has responded to a congratulatory message from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Korea's Liberation Day, calling him a "friendly friend" and expressing support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. Kim sent the message on August 15, which marks the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. In his message, Putin congratulated Kim and the people of North Korea on the occasion, saying that Russia values its relations with North Korea. Kim responded by saying that he treasures the "comradely friendship" with Putin and considers him a "friendly friend". Kim also expressed his support for Russia's actions in Ukraine, saying that he highly appreciates Russia's "consistent and unwavering" stance on protecting its sovereignty and security. The exchange of messages comes as North Korea has been strengthening its ties with Russia, while trying to expand its diplomatic outreach amid international isolation over its nuclear and missile programs. North Korea has so far maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine issue, but its support for Russia is seen as a way to strengthen its alliance with Moscow. The two countries have been cooperating on various issues, including trade and defense, and have also been exchanging high-level visits. In July, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang, where he and North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun-nam agreed to strengthen military cooperation. The visit was seen as a significant development in the two countries' relations, which have been growing closer in recent years. North Korea has been facing increasing international pressure over its nuclear and missile programs, and has been seeking to strengthen its alliances with countries like Russia and China. The country has conducted several missile tests this year, including an intercontinental ballistic missile test in July. The tests have been condemned by the international community, and have led to increased tensions in the region. Despite the international pressure, North Korea has continued to pursue its nuclear and missile programs, citing the need for self-defense. The country's leader Kim Jong-un has said that the development of the country's nuclear capabilities is a top priority. Kim has also said that the country will continue to take steps to strengthen its defense capabilities, including the development of new missiles and other military technologies. The situation in North Korea remains a major concern for the international community, with many countries calling for the country to abandon its nuclear and missile programs. However, North Korea has so far refused to engage in talks on denuclearization, saying that it will not abandon its nuclear program unless the United States and other countries lift their sanctions. The standoff over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs continues, with no clear resolution in sight.

·hani.co.kr

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