Haryana Public Works Department (PWD) has officially handed over a 9-kilometre stretch of Mandi Road to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
This section, extending from Chhatarpur Metro Station to the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, has long been a bottleneck for commuters, with its narrow lanes and lack of basic infrastructure. The decision to transfer the project to NHAI was driven by the complexities involved in land acquisition and the need for a more robust implementation framework. PWD Minister Parvesh Verma highlighted that NHAI’s experience in handling large-scale projects, including land acquisition, makes it better equipped to manage the challenges associated with this road widening initiative.
The Mandi Road widening project was first conceived in 2012, with an estimated cost of ₹597 crore, of which ₹400 crore was earmarked for land acquisition. Despite approval from the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC) in March 2023, progress had been stalled due to various hurdles, including the complex land acquisition process and the presence of numerous farmhouses along the route. The existing right of way varies between 8 to 18 metres, significantly narrower than the proposed 30-metre width. To facilitate the expansion, approximately 16.9 hectares of land need to be acquired. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance safety, and improve the overall commuting experience for residents and visitors.
In addition to the Mandi Road widening, the PWD is exploring the feasibility of constructing an elevated road over the 100 Foot Chhatarpur Road. This stretch, known for frequent traffic snarls, especially during peak wedding seasons and religious gatherings, is lined with numerous banquet halls and ashrams. The proposed elevated road would provide uninterrupted passage for through traffic, reducing delays and enhancing connectivity. BJP MP from South Delhi, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, has also advocated for the inclusion of both Mandi Road and 100 Foot Chhatarpur Road under NHAI’s jurisdiction. He met with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, to discuss the matter and express gratitude for the recent transfer of Mathura Road and Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road to NHAI for widening.
The transfer of the Mandi Road project to NHAI marks a significant step towards modernising Haryana’s road infrastructure. With NHAI’s expertise and resources, the project is expected to progress more efficiently, ultimately leading to improved traffic flow and enhanced quality of life for residents in the region.
Also Read:https://urbanacres.in/mumbais-two-major-bridges-to-open-soon-boosting-traffic-flow-across-suburbs/
