Gurgaon GMDA Launches Major Traffic Decongestion Project at 17 Key Junctions
The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has identified 17 critical junctions across sectors 1 to 57 for comprehensive traffic decongestion measures. This initiative is part of a broader effort to meet pollution mitigation targets set by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 7.5 crore, aims to redesign intersections to minimize vehicle idling and enhance traffic flow, thereby reducing vehicular emissions.
Junctions Selected Based on High Traffic Volume and Congestion
Officials stated that the locations were chosen due to their high traffic volume and persistent congestion, which significantly contribute to pollution through idling vehicles and slow movement. The identified junctions include:
- Sector 48-49 and South City-II
- Sector 40-45 and Cyber Park
- Sector 4-5, Rezang La Chowk
- Modern Bazar near Mayfield Garden
- Opposite Tau Devi Lal Park (Sector 22)
- Sector Road 72A and Sector 33
- Arcadia Mall junction
- Sector 9 Chowk
- Sector 4-7 Chowk
- Daultabad flyover
- Millennium City Centre Metro Station
- Sector 41-45
- Bakhtawar Chowk
- Unitech Cyber Park
- Ghata Power House
- Kaushal Chowk
Project Focus on Engineering Interventions to Optimize Traffic Signals
According to GMDA, the project will involve targeted engineering interventions to redesign traffic movement at intersections. The primary objective is to optimize each traffic signal cycle, allowing a maximum number of vehicles to pass through efficiently. Amit Godara, GMDA executive engineer, explained, "Along with major changes, smaller interventions such as geometric improvements and traffic channelisation will also be undertaken wherever required." The tender for the project has been floated, and work is expected to commence after the bidding process concludes, with most tasks targeted for completion within the year ahead of the peak pollution season.
Key Interventions: Extending Slip Lanes and Creating Free U-Turns
Under the plan, several specific measures will be implemented to alleviate congestion. Slip lanes will be extended at various locations where they are currently too short and often blocked by vehicles waiting at traffic lights, hindering free left turns. By increasing their length, authorities anticipate facilitating uninterrupted movement for turning vehicles.
Another significant intervention involves the creation of free U-turns at central verges. Currently, commuters frequently must wait through an entire signal cycle to execute a U-turn. The proposed design will enable vehicles to turn without stopping at traffic lights, thereby reducing congestion at intersections.
Addressing Commuter Complaints and Pollution Concerns
This move responds to persistent complaints from commuters about traffic snarls across key corridors in Gurgaon, especially during peak hours. Puneet Pahwa, general secretary of sector 46, highlighted the issue, "During peak hours, we often wait through two to three signal cycles just to cross a junction. Slip roads are practically useless as they get blocked, and lane discipline is lacking, creating unnecessary congestion."
The urgency is underscored by Gurgaon's status as the most polluted city in India in March 2026, recording a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 116 µg/m³. The GMDA project aims to mitigate such pollution hotspots by improving traffic efficiency.
Additional Measures: Standardizing Medians and Site-Specific Improvements
The metropolitan authority will also correct and standardize medians that are unplanned or misaligned, as these disrupt traffic flow and reduce intersection efficiency. These adjustments are intended to ensure better lane discipline and smoother movement. Furthermore, additional interventions like traffic channelisation and geometric improvements will be carried out based on site-specific requirements to tailor solutions to each junction's unique challenges.
