Gurgaon gets a facelift ahead of Modi’s visit

The Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, particularly the stretch between Sirhaul toll plaza and Rajiv Chowk, is being spruced up for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on November 1.

The Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, particularly the stretch between Sirhaul toll plaza and Rajiv Chowk, is being spruced up for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on November 1. Modi will be in Gurgaon to attend the inaugural function of Haryana Swaran Jayanti Samaroh, marking the 50th anniversary of the formation of the state.

Haryana government has installed a large banner of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on an under construction building in the city ahead of the golden jubilee celebrations that start on November 1. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

As part of the cleaning drive, the central verge of the expressway is being washed, grills cleaned and potholes on the service lanes repaired. It is also being ensured that entry and exit points on this stretch are manned during the arrival of high-profile guests.

An official of highway concessionaire MCEPL said they have to carry out scheduled maintenance every six months but in the wake of the PM’s visit, they have started the work early. “The central barrier, grills, and the greenery is being spruced up. Service lanes and roadsides are being cleaned and wherever there is a need, trees have been pruned,” S Raghuraman, CEO of MCEPL, said.

Potholes on the service lanes are also being repaired. Major junctions such as Shanker Chowk, Iffco Chowk, and Signature tower crossing are being refurbished as dignitaries from across the country are expected to be in the city on November 1. The high-mast lights on the entire expressway were checked and some lights were repaired to ensure that there is no hitch during the PM’s visit.

PM Modi will take the expressway from Signature Tower crossing to Tau Devi Lal Stadium adjacent to Rajiv Chowk after his chopper lands at Leisure Valley ground in Sector 29.

Navneet Pratap Singh, CEO of highway operator Skylark, said marshals are being posted on the entry and exit points to ensure traffic is smooth during Diwali and the PM’s visit. “We have increased the number of workers carrying out the maintenance work. Traffic marshals on bikes have also been deployed at three spots to ensure seamless movement of vehicles,” he said.