The AAP government, which is in the middle of a bitter turf war with the BJP-led Centre, on Friday sent a note of thanks to the latter for setting the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressway projects in motion.

In a letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said that with vital infrastructure projects picking up pace, the national capital may get some respite from the rising levels of air pollution.

A large number of non-destined, diesel-driven trucks enter the city of Delhi and they are the main source of pollution in the city, said Rai in his letter.

“I am glad to know that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone of the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Western Peripheral Expressway and the eight laning of the highway section from Mukarba Chowk Delhi to Panipat, which are very welcome steps and I convey my sincere thanks and gratitude for expediting the long pending projects which will surely be a milestone for controlling pollution in Delhi,” wrote Rai.

He, however, urged Gadkari to ensure the completion of the projects on priority. “I hope the project will be completed on priority so as to give relief to the citizens of Delhi. May I also request to instruct the NHAI to install weigh-in-motion at major entry points of highways in Delhi,” Rai wrote.

In his letter, Rai also outlined the measures taken by the Delhi government to combat rising air pollution, like car-free days, which are being observed on the 22nd of every month, and a ban on diesel vehicles older than 15 years, in pursuance of an order by the National Green Tribunal.

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