Efforts by Central and Haryana Governments to Address Long-Standing Traffic Issues on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway and Key Link Roads

Delhi-Gurugram commuters know all too well the frustration of being stuck in daily traffic jams on key connecting roads like the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway and the Mehrauli-Gurugram Road. The severe congestion wastes countless hours each day, impacting both productivity and quality of life. To alleviate this, the Haryana and central governments are now pushing forward on a series of new projects that could provide long-term solutions to the problem.

In a recent meeting, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini discussed several critical infrastructure proposals, including the construction of a bypass linking Nelson Mandela Road to MG Road, an alternate bypass connecting Gurugram and Faridabad Road, and a new route from Dhanchiri Camp to MG Road.

One of the primary components of the plan is the three-kilometer Nelson Mandela Road-MG Road link. If developed, this segment could significantly reduce congestion on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway and the Mehrauli-Gurugram Road, which are major choke points for commuters. Experts point out that if the central government grants National Highway (NH) status to this link, its development would proceed with greater ease, streamlining the funding and planning processes.

In addition to the link road, the Haryana government has also proposed constructing an elevated road that would run from the intersection of MG Road and Gurugram-Faridabad Road. Initial cost projections for this elevated link hover around Rs 2,000 crore, but if the road is developed as a tunnel, the expenditure could potentially rise to Rs 4,000 crore. Meanwhile, the projected cost for the bypass from Dhanchiri Camp to MG Road is expected to be approximately Rs 1,000 crore.

However, before moving forward with these ambitious projects, the Indian National Highways Authority (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways must undertake extensive studies to assess feasibility, costs, and potential benefits. According to officials, such studies are contingent on the segments being declared as National Highways.

The meeting, attended by key stakeholders, including Road Transport Secretary V. Umashankar, suggested a promising step forward in the journey to achieve National Highway status for the Nelson Mandela-MG Road link. This designation is seen as essential for expediting approvals and mobilizing resources for construction.

If these proposals materialize as planned, the new bypasses and elevated roads will alleviate some of the heaviest traffic snarls affecting Delhi and Gurugram, ultimately reducing travel time, curbing pollution, and improving daily life for thousands of commuters.