Unlit underpasses in Gurgaon pose risk to commuters

Highways authority says will install streetlights, signboards and other utilities shortly

The absence of lighting inside the newly opened underpasses is posing a risk to commuters who have to keep their headlights on while driving through the underpasses at Rajiv Chowk and Signature Tower. The undeterred flow of traffic through Rajiv Chowk towards Sadar Bazar is also leading to congestion near the court and the mini secretariat premises.

The new underpass near Rajiv Chowk is also leading to snarls, the very thing it was meant to end. (Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

The two underpasses constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at Rajiv Chowk and Signature Tower on the Delhi Gurgaon Expressway were opened on January 22. Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the underpasses in the presence of the city residents.

Commuters said underpasses have brought a big relief to them in terms of crossing the expressway but it remains a risk in the absence of streetlights.

“There should be lights in the underpasses so that commuters are not apprehensive about entering the underpasses. I use headlights while crossing the underpass at Rajiv Chowk. We drive slow, watchful of accidents as the underpass is a new one we are yet to get used to it,” said Rajiv Lamba, a resident of Sector 50.

Neelesh Tandon, a resident of Fresco Apartment, said, “Streetlights are essential in underpasses for safety reasons. The traffic should have been allowed only after installation of lights and signage so that we can clearly see pavements and drive on the correct lane. I have used both underpasses and the experience was scary.”

Soon after the inauguration of underpasses, the issues of streetlights and possible traffic congestion in front of the PWD Rest House and the police headquarters had cropped up as a matter of concern for officials.

Hindustan Times had reported about the possible bottleneck on Tuesday.

Hemant Kumar, a resident of New Colony, said, “For me, navigating the road in front of the police headquarters has become a tough task. I spend 20 to 30 minutes crossing a 400 metre stretch between Rajiv Chowk and the police headquarters. The congestion has become a major hassle after the underpass at Rajiv Chowk was opened on Monday.”

Ashok Kumar Sharma, general manager (technical) and project director (PD), NHAI, Gurgaon, said, “The NHAI will install traffic signage, streetlights and other vital road utilities at the underpasses shortly.”

The Municipal Corporation of Gurgugram (MCG) is the custodian authority of the road.

Dr Narhari Bangar, additional commissioner, MCG, said, “I will seek a detail plan from the engineering wing in this regard. There are plans to decongest traffic on this road.”