Gurgaon's Bakhtawar Chowk Underpass Project Nears Implementation Phase
The long-awaited construction of a proposed underpass at Bakhtawar Chowk in Gurgaon is poised to commence shortly, with Gurugram Metropolitan Rapid Transit Limited (GMRL) currently awaiting the final design approval from the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). This critical infrastructure project aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion at one of the city's most important intersections, which currently handles over 10,000 passenger car units during peak hours.
Project Details and Funding Arrangements
GMDA has already sanctioned Rs 80 crore for the 550-metre-long underpass, with the authority bearing the complete project cost while GMRL will execute the civil construction work. The underpass design features an innovative six-lane main carriageway supplemented by two additional lanes on either side to efficiently manage surface-level traffic flow.
Integrated Development with Metro Corridor
The underpass is being strategically planned alongside the proposed Sector 47 metro station, which will also be constructed at Bakhtawar Chowk as part of the Millennium City Centre-Cyber City metro corridor. To ensure seamless integration between these two major infrastructure projects, engineers have designed a single pillar system that will support both the metro station and the underpass structure.
GMRL officials confirmed that the detailed design has already been submitted to GMDA, with the agency urging for priority approval to initiate work at this busy junction. "Permissions related to tree felling within the project alignment have also been sought from the concerned authorities," stated a senior GMRL official.
Evolution of the Project Concept
The project has undergone significant evolution since its initial conceptualization. Originally, GMDA had proposed a flyover at Bakhtawar Chowk in April 2021 as part of its comprehensive decongestion plan for the area. However, the plan was revised to an underpass design in January 2023, with an estimated cost of Rs 80.4 crore.
Progress was delayed due to uncertainties surrounding the alignment of the proposed metro corridor between Millennium City Centre and Cyber City. The situation was resolved in April last year when it was decided that GMRL would take over the execution of the project.
Traffic Management and Future Planning
Officials have emphasized that traffic management plans during the construction phase of both the underpass and the metro corridor have been carefully incorporated into the proposal. This integrated approach is expected to optimize space utilization at the junction and minimize future traffic disruptions.
An official from GMDA provided an update, stating, "In-principle approval for the underpass has been granted. Formal approval will be accorded shortly."
Strategic Location and Connectivity
Bakhtawar Chowk represents a critical junction on Subhash Marg, which forms an essential segment of the proposed inner ring road. This corridor connects multiple important locations including:
- Atul Kataria Chowk
- Signature Tower
- Millennium City Centre
- Hero Honda Chowk
- Basai Chowk
- The railway station
- Sectors 3, 4, 5 and 7
While four of the six planned inner ring road upgrades have been completed, work at Bakhtawar Chowk and the stretch between Hero Honda Chowk and Umang Bharadwaj Chowk remains pending.
Addressing Future Traffic Challenges
Traffic congestion at Bakhtawar Chowk is anticipated to intensify further with upcoming commercial developments in the area, most notably the planned IKEA store in Sector 47. The underpass project represents a proactive measure to address these future challenges and ensure smoother traffic movement through this vital Gurgaon intersection.
The project manages traffic from multiple directions including Millennium City Centre, Subhash Chowk, Chaudhary Bakhtawar Singh Road, and Satpaul Mittal Road, making its timely implementation crucial for the city's overall traffic management strategy.
