NEW DELHI: The public works department was on Monday asked to complete road construction work on two important stretches by the end of the year after an inspection by minister Satyendar Jain.

The 9km Gopalpur to Swaroop Nagar stretch, on which construction is on since the past three years, has been stuck due to land acquisition issues. "When the plan was originally drawn, around Rs 30 crore has been set aside for land acquisition on a 1.5km-long stretch near Swaroop Nagar. However, after the new law the cost has gone up to Rs 200 crore. The minister has proposed doing away with land acquisition and making the second carriageway on stilts over the drain running along the stretch," said sources. He also asked for a cycle track to be incorporated in the project.

For the stretch between Mukarba Chowk and NH-1 border, the minister asked PWD to conduct a feasibility study on construction of foot overbridges. "This project also needs to be completed by December 31. PWD will carry out a study and submit the proposal to the minister after which a decision will be taken," said sources.

The third project inspected by the minister was the Mukundpur Metro station area. While the station is still under construction, Jain asked PWD to look at the possibility of constructing a skywalk from the Metro station to the residential area to improve last mile connectivity. "The skywalk will start at the Metro station, pass over the supplementary drain and connect to the residential area on the other side," said sources.