Gurgaon is poised for a significant urban upgrade as three major roads in the city are set to undergo a Rs 50-crore transformation into 'model roads' by the end of March. The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has confirmed the timeline and budgetary commitment for this ambitious project, which targets high-visibility, high-traffic stretches to set new benchmarks for urban mobility.
Selected Roads and Project Details
The three roads chosen for this makeover are MG Road (from IFFCO Chowk to the start of Golf Course Road), Hamilton Court Road, and Vyapar Kendra Road. According to GMDA officials, these arteries were selected due to their existing infrastructure upgrades and high traffic volumes, making them ideal candidates for the model road initiative.
What Constitutes a Model Road?
The model road project will encompass comprehensive enhancements aimed at improving safety and efficiency. Key features include:
- Refreshed lane markings and clearly defined zebra crossings with pedestrian signals
- Optimised traffic lights and fully operational service roads
- Removal of encroachments and illegal parking to clear pathways
- Digital informatory signages, bollards, and road studs for better navigation
- Improved street lighting and public announcement systems for enhanced visibility and communication
Enforcement will transition to a fully camera-based system, with e-challans issued solely through CCTV surveillance. This shift aims to eliminate manual roadside checks, thereby reducing corruption risks and improving traffic flow.
Background and Challenges
The decision follows a high-level review meeting chaired by GMDA CEO P C Meena in January, where eight corridors were initially shortlisted for Phase-I transformation. However, the selected roads have faced multiple complaints in the past, particularly regarding encroachments from illegal parking and roadside vendors. For instance, Hamilton Court and Vyapar Kendra roads were taken up for renovation in February 2024 but remained unfinished, exacerbating traffic congestion in the area.
A local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed concerns about execution, stating, "We are not opposed to road expansion and beautification projects, but the manner in which it has been done over the years has been improper. Roads are dug up and walking paths become inaccessible, especially for aged residents. There needs to be better execution by the authorities."
Budget Allocation and Execution Plans
GMDA executive engineer Amit Godara provided insights into the financial aspects, noting that major development works on these stretches were already underway. He explained, "Now, Rs 20 crore each for Hamilton and Vyapar Kendra and Rs 10 crore for the MG road stretch was finalised to make them model roads given their high traffic, resulting in the need to make them seamless two-way roads with all proper facilities." Currently, Hamilton and Vyapar Kendra roads are one-way stretches, and the revamp aims to convert them into efficient two-way roads.
Previous Initiatives and Future Prospects
This project builds on earlier efforts, such as the 'Complete Streets' initiative inaugurated by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in April last year in Gurgaon's Udyog Vihar. That project, covering a 2.4 km stretch with features like wide footpaths and cyclist tracks, was funded by GMDA, the state discom, and Raahgiri Foundation at a cost of around Rs 23 crore.
Looking ahead, officials have indicated that after Phase I, a wider Phase II rollout is planned for other identified corridors, including Atul Kataria Chowk-Sector 29, Rajeev Chowk-Mayfield Garden (Medanta Road), Hero Honda Chowk-Sector 29, Sector 4/7 dividing road, and Rampura Chowk-Pataudi Road. This phased approach underscores GMDA's commitment to transforming Gurgaon's road infrastructure comprehensively.
With a focus on disciplined traffic movement, pedestrian safety, and optimal use of existing infrastructure, the model roads project represents a significant step towards enhancing urban mobility in Gurgaon. As the March deadline approaches, residents and commuters await the promised improvements with cautious optimism.
