India, Aug. 10 -- The Public Works Department (PWD) has discovered large-scale irregularities in the Chandni Chowk redevelopment plan, according to an inter-departmental report, which highlighted lapses such as an apparent two-fold increase in cost, bypassed approvals, diverted funds, and lapses in planning and execution.

According to an internal report submitted to the PWD minister Parvesh Verma, the project's cost - originally approved at Rs.65.6 crore - rose to a whopping Rs.145.72 crore when the project was completed in 2019.

For now, the minister-in-charge is likely to review the report and decide on possible action to be taken, which could include a formal probe into the approvals process, tendering, and fund diversion.

Officials...