Delhi corridor, the long-awaited redevelopment of Mandi Road is finally back on the table.
In a strategic handover, the Delhi government’s Public Works Department (PWD) has transferred the execution and land acquisition responsibilities to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in a bid to expedite the ₹597-crore infrastructure project aimed at easing one of the capital’s most persistent traffic snarls. The 8.8-kilometre stretch — a lifeline that connects Chhattarpur Metro station near Mehrauli-Gurgaon (MG) Road to the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road near Gwal Pahari — has been grappling with severe congestion due to unchecked encroachments, inadequate road width, and increasing vehicular pressure. What was once envisioned as a critical urban connector now routinely buckles under traffic, compounded by the presence of banquet halls, ashrams, and commercial units that flout zoning norms and occupy road margins.
Currently, the carriageway stands at an average of 60 feet in width, substantially lower than the proposed 100 feet Right of Way. This has resulted in daily bottlenecks affecting both local residents and thousands of commuters travelling between Delhi and Gurugram, a route that has grown in prominence with the rise of satellite hubs and commercial districts along the southern periphery of the capital. With NHAI’s intervention, authorities expect a cleaner execution path, especially given the agency’s stronger track record in land acquisition and large-scale infrastructure implementation. “We believe NHAI’s involvement will ensure timely delivery. They have the expertise in managing road assets that require complex acquisitions,” said a senior Delhi government official.
In addition to road widening, a feasibility report is being commissioned to explore the construction of a flyover at the Chhattarpur Road and SSN Marg intersection — a choke point that sees high traffic volumes due to both cross-movement and the lack of elevated corridors. If greenlit, the flyover could play a crucial role in ensuring smoother, uninterrupted flow and reducing surface congestion without expanding the carbon footprint excessively. From a sustainable urban planning perspective, this redevelopment is emblematic of the kind of smart infrastructure India’s cities need — projects that do not merely expand roads but integrate long-term mobility planning, environmental sustainability, and inclusive access.
The Mandi Road revamp is also a reflection of the changing mindset within Delhi’s infrastructure governance. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and renewed backing from UTTIPEC (Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure Planning & Engineering Centre), the project has been revitalised after lying dormant since its initial proposal in 2013. The recent revival includes mandatory land acquisition of 16.91 hectares, a task that had previously stalled progress due to local resistance and policy ambiguity. However, challenges remain. Land encroachment by affluent farmhouse owners and commercial developers poses a critical test for authorities, particularly when weighed against environmental concerns, displacement issues, and the city’s broader goal of becoming a net-zero emission urban centre. Urban planners argue that while infrastructure expansion is essential, it must be tempered by adherence to zoning laws and prioritisation of public over private interest.
For residents and commuters, the planned transformation of Mandi Road may come as a long-delayed relief, but its true success will lie not just in easing congestion — it will be measured by how equitably, sustainably, and transparently it is delivered. As Delhi continues to grapple with climate concerns and infrastructural inefficiencies, this project could serve as a blueprint — or a cautionary tale — for future urban development.
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