GMDA plans road, drainage revamp before work on new metro corridor in Gurgaon

GURGAON: Ahead of upcoming metro construction, GMDA has planned a revamp of the master and service roads in sectors 3 and 5, covering a 900-metre stretch between Old Railway Road and Sheetla Mata Road.The project, estimated at Rs 4.9 crore, will focus on strengthening the main carriageway as well as adjoining service roads, along with improvements to drainage, footpaths and road safety infrastructure.The stretch from Old Railway Road near Prakash Puri Chowk to Bhagat Singh Chowk, where it connects with Sheetla Mata Road, was identified for an overhaul after residents of the area pressed for its redevelopment. A senior GMDA official said the tender for the work has been invited and it is expected to be completed within a year once the agency is finalised.Officials said the redevelopment is aimed at streamlining traffic movement in the area. “In several areas, service roads were either not developed properly or remain underutilised, which increases traffic load on the main carriageway. We are taking up such stretches in a phased manner to reduce traffic pressure on main roads,” an official said.The project will also focus on addressing persistent waterlogging in the area. GMDA plans to upgrade the drainage system along the service road and regrade the green belt by lowering its level to improve water retention during rainfall. The green belt will also be fenced to prevent encroachments such as unauthorised parking and roadside vending.The project will also include the development and repair of footpaths to improve pedestrian movement, along with installation of road safety furniture such as signage, markings and studs. Landscaping and enhancement of the green belt have also been included in the plan to improve the overall condition of the stretch.The timing of the project is also linked to future metro construction along the corridor. As part of its Phase 2, the metro corridor from Millennium City Centre to Cyber City will pass through this stretch. “Improving service roads will be crucial for managing traffic diversions during metro construction phase,” the official said.The residents have welcomed the decision and urged GMDA to complete the project before the upcoming monsoon. “The area has long been prone to severe waterlogging, especially around Bhagat Singh Chowk and near Vardhman Hospital. During heavy rainfall, water accumulates across the entire stretch, making movement difficult for both pedestrians and vehicles. If GMDA properly repairs and maintains the road and drainage system, it will be a big relief for residents,” said a resident of Sector 5, Dinesh Vashisht.