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The Vatika Chowk underpass in Gurgaon, has been officially opened to the public. Constructed at an expense of Rs 109 crore, the 825-meter underpass seeks to facilitate traffic flow between Golf Course Road Extension and Southern Peripheral Road.
The project was delayed by both financing problems and persistent rain. The GMDA intends to build a mobility corridor devoid of signals, which includes the underpass. Additionally, since 2014, the city has seen the construction of 16 underpasses and 15 flyovers, according to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar finally gave the underpass at Vatika Chowk its official opening and let the people through on Friday. The purpose of the 825-meter underpass, which has approach roads on both sides, is to facilitate traffic between Golf Course Road Extension and Southern Peripheral Road (SPR).
Significance Of The Vatika Chowk Underpass In The Context Of Gurgaon’s Infrastructure
The underpass was expected to be finished by June, having been constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at a cost of Rs 109 crore with funding from the GMDA.
But according to NHAI officials, the work’s speed was further hampered by frequent rainy spells and difficulties in obtaining funding. The underpass was a component of the GMDA’s proposal to rehabilitate SPR as a signal-free transportation corridor via the Sohna elevated road, connecting Ghata to NH8.
Since the underpass is being constructed beneath the elevated road, it was originally intended for GMDA to handle the work; however, NHAI later took over. In July of last year, it received administrative permission from the chief minister.
“The project is significant because it would relieve everyday traffic for thousands of commuters heading towards Faridabad and the NH8. It is also close to various residential and business complexes. Additionally, it will guarantee seamless connectivity between sectors in recently created areas along SPR.
Vatika Chowk Underpass: Benefits And Impact On Commuters
This underpass will make commuting even easier since the Dwarka Expressway is anticipated to open shortly, according to GMDA executive engineer Amit Godara. During the opening ceremony, Khattar declared that since he took office, the city has seen the construction of 16 underpasses and 15 flyovers.
There are 58 projects totaling 245 km in the city, with an allocation of Rs 1,747 crore. Many of these projects are either finished or in the process of being finished. Ten large projects, including the city’s drainage system and sewer network, are costing Rs 1,027 crore, according to Khattar.
Senior GMDA officials were present at the occasion, along with union minister Rao Inderjit Singh, GMDA CEO, MCG Commissioner PC Meena, deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav, and others.
Future Plans And Public Response On SPR Renovation Project
Although commuters will benefit from a shorter trip thanks to the opening of the underpass, drivers are dissatisfied with the prolonged delay in SPR’s reconstruction.
“The underpass’s opening was very much required because he traffic at the location surged significantly following the Dwarka Expressway’s partial opening, causing traffic blockages, particularly during rush hours.
To the people that live along SPR, it is undoubtedly a significant gift. Deepak Fialok, a resident of Sector 70A who regularly used this stretch of road, stated that “it would have been better for us if the authority had done something about the dilapidated condition of the road.”
When questioned about the SPR project, GMDA representatives stated that they had put out a bid to repair the SPR specifically from Ghata village to Vatika Chowk for a total of Rs 7.6 crore. “Once we receive the required approvals for the government, we will begin the repair work immediately.”
Source-TOI
