NHAI calls for more pumps, better coordination to prevent waterlogging on NH-48

NHAI chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav on Wednesday chaired a high level meeting in which various measures were discussed

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Wednesday called for deployment of more resources and better coordination among different agencies to prevent waterlogging on Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and further stretches of NH-48 passing through the district.

A waterlogged stretch on National Highway 48 in Gurugram on Wednesday. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

NHAI chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav on Wednesday chaired a high level meeting in which various measures were discussed to resolve the issue of perennial waterlogging in the city.

The meeting was attended by CEO, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), officials from Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA), Municipal Corporation Manesar (MCM), Municipal Corporation Delhi (MCD), Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB) and senior NHAI officials.

During the meeting, NHAI chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav directed that additional pumping machinery be deployed in low lying areas along the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway to ensure quick drainage of rainwater. During the meeting, GMDA officials said they also raised the issue of highway access, permissions for construction of roads across the right of way of NHAI roads, among others, which would remove the bottlenecks on roads and in the drainage system of the city.

“We will work towards resolving the matter of missing links and issuance of permits required for GMDA to take forward their infrastructure development projects,” the NHAI chairman said in a statement.

The NHAI chairman said in order to study the reasons for waterlogging around Dhaula Kuan and Subroto Park, a specialised agency shall be engaged, and the agency will also suggest remedial measures. The meeting also discussed project wise issues of Gurugram-Pataudi-Rewari Expressway project, Dwarka Expressway, and Sohna Expressway to provide safe travel experience to city commuters.

GMDA CEO PC Meena said the issue of resolving missing links and unavailable right of way along the Dwarka Expressway and Central Peripheral Road were raised with the NHAI chairman.

Meena said eight such locations were highlighted and NHAI intervention was sought to facilitate in making the master services provided by GMDA functional for public use.

“Several bottlenecks come in the way of development works that aim to make master services accessible to the public. This issue was taken up with NHAI in the meeting. We will closely coordinate with the team for their quick resolution,” said Meena.

During the meeting, NHAI officials said they will repair the service roads on both sides of Rampura Chowk.

The proposal for the construction of 2.4km long elevated corridor from Hero Honda Chowk to Umang Bhardwaj Chowk, being helmed by NHAI, to relieve traffic congestion on this pivotal stretch was discussed during the meeting.

GMDA CEO said since the new Metro line extension is proposed on this route, the right of way made available by GMDA for this project may be merged accordingly in the design plan to seamlessly accommodate both the Metro and the elevated road on single pillars to boost rail and road connectivity with lesser requirement of right of way.