The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to install Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECDs) on 25 diesel generator (DG) sets operating along Package-IV of the Dwarka Expressway to curb air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The 8.7-km-long stretch connects Basai to the Kherki Dhaula/Delhi-Gurugram Expressway cloverleaf intersection and falls within the Delhi-NCR region, which experiences severe air pollution during the winter months.
The initiative is being undertaken in compliance with directives issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) regarding the regulation of DG sets in NCR areas. The move aims to reduce harmful emissions, particularly during winter when pollution levels rise and restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) take effect.
The RECDs will be fitted on DG sets used for expressway lighting and other operational requirements. The project includes installing, testing, and commissioning the devices, along with ongoing maintenance support to ensure effective performance.
According to NHAI, the measure forms part of its broader strategy to integrate environmental safeguards into highway construction and operations, especially for projects located in pollution-sensitive regions such as Delhi-NCR.
To ensure transparency and regulatory compliance, NHAI has also mandated the maintenance of GPS-tagged photographs of each RECD installation for verification purposes.
The initiative is expected to help essential highway infrastructure continue functioning while meeting prescribed air-quality standards, reinforcing NHAI’s commitment to environmentally sustainable highway development and stricter compliance with pollution-control norms.
