Delhi-Gurgaon expressway operator lists 14 black spots

These 14 spots identified are most accident prone and with frequent traffic congestion

The Delhi-Gurgaon expressway operator, Skylark, has identified 14 black spots on the highway where most accidents and traffic congestion takes place. To address these areas, the operator has now planned to divide the expressway into four sections and introduce custom measures for specific sections that include increasing the number of traffic marshals, improving surveillance, and increasing route patrol vehicles.

The operator plans to divide the expressway into four sections and introduce remedial measures for each section. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

The first section of the highway has been identified from Rao Tula Rama flyover (RTR) to Rangpuri (5.3 kms), the second is from Rangpuri to Shanker Chowk (six kms), the third from Shanker Chowk to Rajeev Chowk (eight kms) and fourth from Rajeev Chowk to Kherki Daula (8.4 kms).

At a recent workshop by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at Sirhaul toll plaza, it was also emphasised that to reduce congestion and cut down on fatal accidents there is a need to increase manpower and equipment on the expressway.

Navneet Pratap Singh, CEO, Skylark, said after data was presented at the workshop, all agencies agreed that more resources and efforts would be put into making the highway safer. “We have identified 14 spots where incident management has to be improved considerably. If everyone makes an effort, accidents can be reduced and the response time can be improved to 15 minutes, which is crucial for saving lives,” he said, adding that in their tenure they have brought down accidents by almost 18%.

The operator, however, complained that while traffic on the expressway has increased, the resources to manage the same have been reduced by almost 40%. However, plans are now afoot to increase the number of routine patrol vehicles and introduce specially designed bikes as per NHAI guidelines. The number of trained marshals will also be increased at key junctions and black spots, Skylark said.

Meanwhile, the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway concessionaire, which has toll collection rights up to 2023, said a lot of problems would be reduced once the three underpasses proposed in the expressway’s Gurgaon section come up. “We have done the work mentioned in the memorandum of understanding and are ready to put in more resources to make the road safer,” said S Raghuraman, CEO, Millennium City Expressways Private Limited (MCEPL).

The NHAI, however, said a lot of work could not be taken up as land was not available. “We have not been able to start work on the underpasses because permission to cut trees has not come from forest department,” said BS Singla chief general manager, NHAI.