The crucial road project connecting the Dwarka Expressway to the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway has been in the pipeline for a while now. Initially approved in October 2022, the plan to upgrade the 11 km stretch of road that links IFFCO Chowk to Dwarka Expressway remains stalled, primarily due to land constraints and illegal encroachments along the route. Despite the project being in the planning stages for nearly a year, progress has yet to begin, leaving commuters frustrated with the ongoing delays.
The Proposed Road Upgrade Plan
The road upgrade aims to significantly improve traffic flow between key areas of Gurgaon, including Sukhrali, Mahavir Chowk, Old Railway Road, and Basai Road. The detailed project report (DPR) for this revamp has been ready for almost a year, but the project remains on hold. The plan involves the widening and strengthening of the stretch from IFFCO Chowk to Dwarka Expressway, including two main sections: IFFCO Chowk to Mahavir Chowk (4.8 km) and Old Railway Road to the Dwarka Expressway (6.5 km).
Challenges Facing the Project
A major roadblock to the project’s commencement is the encroachment issue along several parts of the route. For example, at Basai, the road’s width has been reduced to 40 meters from 60 meters due to illegal extensions made by local residents. These structures need to be demolished to facilitate the road widening, but the project may face stiff opposition from property owners, causing potential delays.
In addition to encroachments, the GMDA (Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority) is also grappling with land constraints that are hampering the construction of a parallel rail-over-bridge. This bridge would complement the existing structure, improving the flow of traffic on this key stretch.
The Importance of the Road Upgrade for Gurgaon
The stretch under renovation is located in some of Gurgaon’s older, more densely populated areas. Unlike the newer, well-planned roads in the city, these parts of Gurgaon still deal with narrow roads, frequent traffic jams, and poorly managed traffic. Additionally, illegal road cuts and inadequate traffic management further contribute to the congestion in these areas.
The road upgrade will not only improve the ease of commuting for residents and visitors but also enhance the overall traffic management in the area. Once the project is completed, commuters from Jhajjar and nearby areas will benefit from an alternative, smoother route into the city, especially by bypassing congested areas like Hero Honda Chowk. It will also provide better connectivity to the Dwarka Expressway and NH-48.
Project Features and Benefits
Several key features have been outlined in the revamp plan, which is expected to address the ongoing traffic issues and improve the overall infrastructure in the area:
- Widening and Strengthening: The existing road will be widened and reinforced to accommodate the growing traffic demand in the area.
- Grade Separator: A grade separator is planned for busy intersections, which will help in streamlining the traffic flow, reducing bottlenecks, and improving road safety.
- Footpaths and On-Street Parking: To ensure the safety and convenience of pedestrians, the plan includes new footpath infrastructure along the road. Additionally, provisions for on-street parking will be made to prevent parking congestion on the roads.
- Utility Duct: A utility duct will be incorporated into the road’s design to prevent unnecessary digging and disruptions during future maintenance work.
Residents’ Concerns and Expectations
Local residents have expressed their frustration over the delay in the project’s execution. Harsh Bhola, a resident of Sector 9A, mentioned, “Every day we experience a traffic jam on this stretch. There have been talks of redeveloping this stretch, but no progress has been made.” Residents are increasingly concerned that the prolonged delay could lead to even greater inconvenience, as traffic jams on the stretch continue to worsen with each passing day.
Despite these challenges, the GMDA remains hopeful about completing the project. A senior official from the GMDA stated, “There are some challenges that need to be worked out before we move ahead with the plan, including illegal encroachments and land constraints. However, we are making efforts to revamp this stretch to smooth the movement of traffic in the old part of Gurgaon.”
The Road Ahead for the Gurgaon-Dwarka Link
With the upgraded road, the region will witness smoother connectivity, especially for those traveling from Jhajjar into Gurgaon and vice versa. It is expected to ease congestion at major junctions, improve commuting times, and reduce travel-related stress. The project is also poised to integrate the older parts of the city with newer developments, ensuring that residents in the heart of Gurgaon experience the benefits of better infrastructure.
The road’s transformation will not only benefit local commuters but will also create a more organized and streamlined traffic flow for the thousands of people who traverse these routes daily. As GMDA prepares estimates for the project, the hope is that challenges like encroachments can be resolved swiftly, paving the way for construction to begin without further delays.
Conclusion
The road upgrade project connecting Dwarka Expressway to the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway is critical for improving traffic flow in the older, more congested parts of Gurgaon. However, the ongoing delays due to encroachments and land constraints have created significant hurdles. Despite these setbacks, the GMDA remains committed to the project, aiming to bring better connectivity and smoother commuting options for the residents and visitors of Gurgaon. As work progresses, it is essential for the authorities to finalize a timeline to prevent further inconvenience and ensure that the project benefits the public in the shortest possible time.
Refer:
Economic Times, Link to article
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