Gurgaon's Sushil Aima Marg Footpath in Severe Disrepair, Endangering Pedestrians
Walking along Sushil Aima Marg, a crucial connector between Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road and Rezang La Chowk, has transformed into a hazardous activity for pedestrians in Gurgaon. Large stretches of the pavement are now broken, uneven, or partially collapsed, rendering it nearly unusable and forcing residents to step onto the main road alongside fast-moving traffic.
Structural Damage and Safety Hazards
The footpath, originally designed to provide a safe walking corridor, has deteriorated significantly due to the weakening of the adjacent Leg-1 drain over time. In several locations, portions of the pavement have caved in near the drain, creating dangerous gaps. The surface is littered with loose bricks, broken tiles, and construction debris, while garbage piles have accumulated along the sides. Stray cattle and dogs frequently occupy the damaged stretch, further complicating pedestrian movement.
Sumit Nain, a resident of Sector 22, expressed his frustration, stating, "The pavement is not serving its purpose at all. Sections near the drain have collapsed, and the surface has become unsafe for anyone trying to walk."
Encroachments and Maintenance Issues
Beyond the structural damage, residents have highlighted persistent encroachments and repeated digging work along the footpath, which have drastically reduced the available walking space. The uneven and broken surface poses particular challenges for elderly individuals, children, and those with mobility issues, making safe passage difficult.
Bhawani Shankar Tripathy, vice-president of the Sector 23 Residents Welfare Association (RWA), criticized the civic authorities, saying, "The attitude of civic authorities towards pedestrians is the most discouraging. Encroachment is allowed everywhere, and agencies do not appear sufficiently focused on pedestrian safety in Gurgaon."
Additionally, fallen tree branches remain unattended in multiple spots, not only shrinking the already limited walking area but also contributing to hygiene concerns. Residents report that the lack of consistent maintenance has exacerbated the situation, turning what should be a basic amenity into a liability.
Official Response and Future Plans
In response to these concerns, a GMDA (Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority) official stated that the authority's enforcement wing regularly conducts anti-encroachment drives to reclaim public spaces. The official also mentioned that a new master drain will be constructed at the site soon. Following this, the existing footpath will be entirely removed and rebuilt to ensure enhanced pedestrian safety and usability.
This situation underscores the broader issues of urban infrastructure maintenance and pedestrian safety in rapidly developing cities like Gurgaon. As residents await the promised repairs, the current state of Sushil Aima Marg serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive civic management and attention to public walkways.
