Delhi: Supreme Court Raps Kejriwal Government Again Over Delayed Payments, As RRTS Funding Woes Continue

The Supreme Court has issued strong reprimands to the Delhi government on Tuesday (28 November) for prolonged delays in disbursing its share of funds, approximately Rs 500 crore, for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).

Expressing dissatisfaction, the top court bench, comprising Justices S K Kaul and S Dhulia, remarked, "The problem is you have to be arm-twisted to pay money you are obligated to. We will not say it again and again. Pay what you have to..," as reported by NDTV.

Justice Kaul had previously admonished the Delhi government for not earmarking a budget for the RRTS project with the bench remarking, "If such national projects are being affected, and if funds are being allocated for advertisements, we may consider redirecting the funds towards infrastructure."

Despite the Delhi government reportedly releasing Rs 415 crore last week, the court insisted on "absolute compliance" and scheduled a follow-up hearing for Saturday (2 December).

While the Delhi government claimed to have paid all its dues, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation contested this assertion, stating, "There has (only) been partial compliance... four months have passed, nothing has come."

Earlier, the court sought a record of funds spent by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party on advertisements over the past three years, after the Delhi government expressed its inability to contribute the required funds.

The RRTS project, with an 82-km stretch costing nearly Rs 32,000 crore, aims to establish semi-high-speed rail corridors connecting Delhi to Alwar, Panipat, and Meerut.

Managed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation, this venture involves collaboration between the centre and states to enhance regional connectivity.