Flyovers or underpasses at 5 spots to clear snarls on Golf Course Road Extension

The proposed Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) redevelopment is back on the drawing boards with the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) contemplating constructing either a series of flyovers or underpasses at five critical junctions on its six km-long stretch between Vatika Chowk and Ghata village, also known as the Golf Course Road Extension.

The authority, officials said, has now floated a poll on its website seeking public opinion on the two schemes – “cost-effective” flyovers or “aesthetically pleasant” underpasses.

On Saturday, Sudhir Rajpal, chief executive officer (CEO) of GMDA, told TOI that the opinion of Gurgaon residents would be taken into account before taking a final call. “We want the people to give us their feedback on the two schemes. We have floated a poll on our website so that we can get people’s comments on what kind of upgrade and infrastructure they want,” he said.

One of the busiest stretches in Gurgaon, GCER provides a link with the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway, Golf Course Road and Gurgaon-Faridabad Road. Intense waterlogging and potholes, however, triggers frequent traffic congestion on the stretch. The proposed revamp of the GCER is aimed at ensuring signal-free and seamless traffic movement.

The flyovers or underpasses, GMDA officials said, are likely to come up at Golf Course Road T-point (Ghata traffic light), Kadarpur road intersection, Pioneer Park traffic signal, an intersection near Splendor Tower, and a junction near St Xavier’s High School. The authority also plans to develop pavements, surface drains, cycle tracks, and improve street lighting at the junctions.

According to officials, constructing flyovers at the identified points would cost the GMDA approximately Rs 420 crore and be more “cost-effective” than underpasses, which would cost approximately Rs 470 crore. Flyovers, they claimed, would also require lesser construction time and utility shifting, but may obstruct the visual landscape of the area.

Underpasses, meanwhile, were expected to be aesthetically sound but could lead to higher development and maintenance costs, more construction time, officials said. Drainage also poses a challenge to underpasses, especially during monsoons, they added.

Source : TOI