The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is exploring the feasibility of a multi-level traffic system at Bakhtawar Chowk, one of the city's busiest intersections. If implemented, the junction could feature four levels of traffic movement, including an underpass, a surface road, and a double-decker structure combining a metro viaduct and an elevated road.
Feasibility Study Ordered
GMDA has directed the Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) to conduct a feasibility study for constructing an underpass at the junction connecting NH8 and Satpaul Mittal Marg. This location is also planned for the proposed Sector 47 metro station on the Millennium City Centre-Cyber City corridor. A senior GMDA official stated, "We have asked GMRL to undertake a feasibility study and make provision for an underpass during the piling and pier construction works so that it can be built beneath the proposed double-decker structure in the future." The detailed design consultant for the metro project has been tasked with examining the viability and submitting a report to GMDA.
Revised Plans for the Junction
The latest development follows GMRL's proposal for a double-decker structure at the junction, replacing the originally sanctioned underpass plan between Millennium City Centre and Subhash Chowk on Netaji Subhash Marg. Under the revised proposal, the metro viaduct and an elevated road would be stacked on a common structure. GMDA has now asked GMRL to ensure provisions for a future underpass beneath this double-decker structure are incorporated during the design and construction of the metro infrastructure.
Four-Level Traffic System
If the underpass is found feasible, Bakhtawar Chowk could see a four-level traffic system:
- Level 1 (Underpass): Carrying through traffic below ground between Medanta Hospital and Tau Devi Lal Stadium on one side and Sector 47 on the other.
- Level 2 (Surface): Vehicles moving through the junction at ground level.
- Level 3 (Double-decker): The proposed metro-cum-elevated road structure above, connecting Millennium City Centre and Subhash Chowk.
Officials believe such a design would segregate traffic streams and improve movement at a junction expected to witness increasing traffic volumes in the coming years.
Current Traffic Situation
The junction handles traffic from Millennium City Centre, Subhash Chowk, Chaudhary Bakhtawar Singh Road, and Satpaul Mittal Road. Traffic studies indicate that the intersection currently handles more than 10,000 passenger car units (PCUs) and experiences bumper-to-bumper congestion during rush hours. Volumes are expected to rise further with the upcoming IKEA store in Sector 47.
Background of Decongestion Plans
Decongestion of Bakhtawar Chowk has been under consideration since 2021, as part of the proposed inner ring road connecting Atul Kataria Chowk and Sectors 3, 4, 5, and 7 through Signature Towers, Millennium City Centre, Hero Honda Chowk, Basai Chowk, and the railway station. Initially, a flyover was proposed in April 2021, which was revised to an underpass in January 2023 with an estimated cost of Rs 80.4 crore. However, work could not begin due to uncertainty over the alignment of the proposed metro corridor. In April 2023, it was decided that GMRL would take over execution. Earlier this year, GMRL proposed the double-decker structure instead, citing limited space and the city's persistent waterlogging issues.
The GMRL official confirmed that the double-decker plan is moving ahead, as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has approved the proposal. The construction of the double-decker is part of Phase 1 of the online metro corridor project.
