Ever since it has been opened for the public, the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway (NH-8) has been involved in some controversy or the other. Now, the NHAI—acting on frequent complaints of traffic jams at various places on the highway because of non-availability of a service road on one side—is going to start its land acquisition process to widen the existing highway to a 100-metre-wide Right of Way (ROW). This ROW will be in accordance with the recommendations of the DDA’s Delhi Masterplan 2021.
A Right of Way is a strip of land granted for transportation use or for the use of traffic in an organised manner.
At present, the ROW on NH-8 is only 60 metres wide in Delhi and 45-76 meters in Gurgaon.
If the NHAI’s acquisition plan is fruitful, the commuters will enjoy a smoother ride with additional service lanes.
The two-lane service roads on the left hand side of the Delhi section and both sides in Gurgaon were constructed by the Delhi-Gurgaon Super Connectivity Limited (formerly Jay-Pee DSC Ventures Limited).
In a reply (January 21, 2010) to the residents’ body Dwarka Forum, the NHAI has said that it is going to initiate the process of acquisition of additional land alongside NH-8 for the expressway to conform to the MPD 2021’s recommendations of a 100-metre wide ROW.
“It is to clarify that the DDA Master Plan of Delhi 2021, showing an ROW of 100 meters for NH-8, is in the draft stage. However, NHAI is likely to initiate action in consultation with the Delhi government to acquire land for a 100 metre ROW in Delhi. Presently, the ROW in Delhi for NH-8 is 60 metres. The incomplete service road between Kapashera and Palam, is due to non-handing over of land by AAI and Defence. That is being pursued at higher level. Service lanes have been provided wherever land is available,” K.V. Singh, deputy general manager, NHAI, wrote in his reply to Rejimon C.K., the president of Dwarka Forum.
{{/usCountry}}“It is to clarify that the DDA Master Plan of Delhi 2021, showing an ROW of 100 meters for NH-8, is in the draft stage. However, NHAI is likely to initiate action in consultation with the Delhi government to acquire land for a 100 metre ROW in Delhi. Presently, the ROW in Delhi for NH-8 is 60 metres. The incomplete service road between Kapashera and Palam, is due to non-handing over of land by AAI and Defence. That is being pursued at higher level. Service lanes have been provided wherever land is available,” K.V. Singh, deputy general manager, NHAI, wrote in his reply to Rejimon C.K., the president of Dwarka Forum.
{{/usCountry}}Singh further said the balance service lanes would be completed after the land was handed over to NHAI.
Rejimon C.K. said due of the non-existence of a service road, not only two-wheelers, but other slow-moving vehicles too, were forced to risk their lives and drive on the main carriageway amid fast-moving traffic. Major crossings were crowded and saw frequent traffic jams.
R.K. Singh, chief general manager, NHAI (Gurgaon Expressway), said the land acquisition process that would be initiated as per the provisions of clause 3A of NHAI Act was a lengthy one and very difficult also as it involved community angle as well.