Underpasses in Gurugram to get solar lights

GURUGRAM: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials met deputy commissioner Amit Khatri on Wednesday to discuss issues related to the Delhi-Gurugram expressway.

One of the key issues that came up for discussion was erratic power supply in the underpasses across the city.

The NHAI has decided to install solar lights in the underpasses in an attempt to tackle irregular supply. The cost is to be borne by the NHAI.

Although underpasses on the expressway have light, during power cut in the adjoining areas, most stretches become dark.

An official from NHAI said, “We have applied for a hotline connection that will ensure uninterrupted power supply in all underpasses managed by NHAI.

Currently, the situation is such that when power goes in a particular area, and if the underpass electricity connection is linked to that area, the light the underpass also goes.”

Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) officials, however, said the hotline connection cannot be provided.

“We cannot give a connection, as there is no provision for it on the expressway,” said an official.

“In the meeting, it was decided that the NHAI will install solar lights in all underpasses in the city,” said Gurpreet Singh, road safety associate, Haryana Vision Zero. The NHAI said there have been frequent power cuts in the underpasses.

“We conveyed that to him (Khatri) that the GMDA is going to take over the underpasses soon for maintenance and operations,” said a senior NHAI official.

Khatri said, “Several issues were discussed at the meeting and commitment, as per specified timelines, has been given.”