The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) chairperson Santosh Kumar Yadav recently inspected the 18.9-kilometer stretch of the Dwarka Expressway in Gurgaon and raised concerns about missing links, road alignment, and drainage issues. The Dwarka Expressway project aims to improve connectivity between Gurgaon and Delhi’s IGI Airport, with the construction of tunnels, underpasses, elevated flyovers, and flyovers above flyovers.
Yadav emphasized that the expressway will have an urban forest-like ambiance, with four mini-Amazons or small forests at the cloverleaf loops on NH-48, near the Kherki Daula toll plaza. He also mentioned that saplings will be planted using the Miyawaki technique, which involves creating dense, multi-layered forests in a short span of time.
The construction of the 29-kilometer expressway is in its final stage, connecting Mahipalpur in Delhi with Khedki Daula on NH-48 in Gurgaon. However, due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the collapse of an under-construction section in March 2021, the remaining 10 kilometers of the expressway in Delhi are not likely to be operational until next year.
Meanwhile, the Central Peripheral Road (CPR), which forms a part of the expressway project and facilitates connectivity with newer sectors, remains closed to traffic. The NHAI closed the CPR cloverleaf last month for safety reasons related to ongoing construction work on the Dwarka Expressway. The work on the cloverleaf started in September 2021 and was expected to be completed within one year.
During the inspection, Yadav, accompanied by deputy commissioner Nishant Yadav and GMDA CEO PC Meena, emphasized the need for mutual coordination among the NHAI, GMDA (Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority), and district administration for the expressway project. They discussed various issues, including missing links, right of way along the expressway, service lane availability, and the drainage system operated by GMDA.
To address these concerns, the NHAI chairman directed officials to prepare a proposal to resolve issues related to land acquisition. This step is crucial for maintaining the project’s progress and ensuring the timely completion of the expressway.
The upcoming Dwarka Expressway holds significant promise for improving connectivity in the Gurgaon region, easing traffic congestion, and facilitating smoother travel between Gurgaon and IGI Airport in Delhi. With continuous monitoring, collaboration, and effective resolution of the flagged issues, the project aims to deliver improved infrastructure and a seamless commuting experience for residents and travelers alike.
