The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is planning to redevelop a 7km stretch of road along the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) in Gurgaon. The stretch, which is parallel to Golf Course Road, is known for its heavy traffic congestion due to the presence of residential sectors, commercial hubs, and metro stations. The redevelopment plan aims to create a signal-free and smooth ride for commuters through the construction of flyovers, underpasses, service roads, footpaths, cycle tracks, and streetscaping. The project is in its initial stages and is still being studied for feasibility.
GMDA is planning to redevelop the 7km stretch between IFFCO Chowk and Rajesh Pilot Chowk on Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) along the lines of Golf Course Road (GCR). Considered one of the busiest roads in the city, the six-lane stretch, which runs almost parallel to Golf Course Road, has two metro stations along it, apart from four major traffic intersections.
There are several residential sectors, gated colonies, urban villages and commercial hubs along the road as well, due to which there is constant traffic congestion. Thousands of commuters use this road to reach Cyber Hub, Faridabad and Delhi. According to officials, the redevelopment plan, which aims to ensure a signal-free and smooth ride for commuters, is in the initial stages.
“The plan is still in a nascent stage and we are exploring every possibility to decongest this crucial link. We are conducting a preliminary study to find out feasible interventions for relieving congested points on this road and develop it on the same lines as Golf Course Road. We plan to include grade separation by building flyovers or underpasses wherever required,” a senior GMDA official said.
The 16-lane Golf Course Road comprises seven underpasses covering a total length of around 8.3km. It was completed in 2018 to ensure signal-free travel from DLF Cyber City near NH-8 till SPR. The arterial road is dotted by IT offices, hotels, apartment complexes, malls and other commercial establishments.
TOI travelled through the IFFCO Chowk-SPR link on Tuesday and found traffic movement on the 60m-wide road quite slow. There were minor snarls at multiple traffic signals and haphazard parking of autos and e-rickshaws near metro stations, apart from encroachment by squatters.
The road passes through sectors 27, 28, 29, 43,47, 52, 52A, 56 and 57 and has at least six junctions. Among those, the intersections near Millenium City Centre metro station, Ardee Mall, Tau Devi Lal Park and Hong Kong Bazar are the major pain points. Additionally, most parts of the stretch don’t have service roads which could cater to the internal traffic of the adjoining colonies. As a result, traffic coming from residential areas further increases the pressure on the main road.
Two other roads linking NH-8 with SPR — Golf Course Road and Sohna road — have already been revamped.
“We are also planning to build service roads on both sides of the road, along with junction improvement. Apart from this, footpaths, cycle tracks and streetscaping will be included in the redevelopment plan so it can cater to vehicular traffic as well as pedestrians and cyclists,” the official added.
Residents said there is an urgent need to redevelop this stretch. “This road is a crucial link that directly connects NH-8 to SPR and witnesses heavy traffic all day. I have been demanding that GMDA address choke points on this road, especially near Ardee Mall, through construction of a flyover or underpasses,” said Praveen Yadav, president of Ardee City RWA and a member of GMDA’s residents’ advisory council.
Echoing similar sentiments, Sudhir Sachdeva, a resident of Sushant Lok 1, said the authorities should consider pedestrians and cyclists too while making plans to revamp the stretch.
“At present, the traffic situation is horrible and service roads are non-existent. But the project should also provide safe passage for walkers and cyclists,” he added.
Source : TOI
