The underpass at Vatika Chowk in Gurgaon is set to open on November 3. Constructed by the National Highways Authority of India at a cost of Rs 109 crore, the 825m underpass will provide smooth connectivity for commuters heading towards Faridabad and NH-8. The underpass is part of the plan to redevelop the Southern Peripheral Road as a signal-free mobility corridor. Deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav said the underpass will reduce congestion and travel time.
The underpass at Vatika Chowk is all set to be opened to the public, as chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar will inaugurate the structure on November 3.
The 825m underpass has been constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at a cost of Rs 109 crore with approach roads on both sides.
Once operational, the underpass will benefit thousands of commuters headed towards Faridabad and NH-8 and will provide smooth inter-sector connectivity in newly developed sectors along the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR).
According to NHAI officials, Union minister and local MP Rao Inderjit Singh is likely to be present in the underpass’ inauguration event. Vatika Chowk is among the city’s busiest junctions as vehicles moving from the direction of Rajiv Chowk on NH-8, Sohna and Ghata Chowk on Gurgaon-Faridabad road, and Narsinghpur on NH-8 or the Dwarka Expressway intersect.
The underpass was part of GMDA’s plan to redevelop SPR from Ghata to NH-8 as a signal-free mobility corridor through Sohna elevated road. The project got the CM’s administrative approval in July last year and NHAI agreed to undertake the work.
The bi-directional underpass was supposed to be completed by June this year, but the excessive and frequent spell of rains impeded the work progress, while delays in getting funds further affected its pace, officials said.
Deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav inspected the underpass last week and instructed the officials concerned to complete all the necessary formalities within the stipulated time.
“The civic authorities have undertaken various infrastructure development work to facilitate smooth connectivity in the city. The underpass is an important infrastructure project and will be opened to the public after its inauguration. Once operational, this underpass will ensure smooth connectivity between Golf Course Road Extension to NH-8 and help in reducing the congestion at Vatika Chowk, thereby reducing travel time,” Yadav told TOI.
The NHAI officials said last-minute preparations are under way in view of the November 3 event. “Construction is complete, while beautification and housekeeping work are being carried out. The final safety checks and testing as per our norms are also under way to ensure that the structure is ready for traffic,” a senior NHAI official said.
While the electrical work has been done by NHAI, GMDA has to take a power connection from DHBVN for streetlights, the official added.
GMDA said they have applied for the connection. A DHBVN official said they will release start supply “within a day or two”.
Residents have welcomed the news, saying it will bring much-needed relief from traffic snarls at this junction.
Source : TOI
