Gurgaon Greenlights Major Infrastructure Overhaul with Rs 123 Crore Investment
The Haryana state government, in a significant move to bolster urban infrastructure, has approved three critical projects totaling Rs 123 crore aimed at revamping Gurgaon's water supply network and strengthening its stormwater drainage system. The approval was granted during a high-powered purchase committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday, signaling a focused effort to address long-standing civic challenges in the rapidly growing city.
New Master Water Pipeline to Alleviate Summer Shortages
The first project, with an estimated cost of Rs 55 crore, involves the construction of a new 22-kilometer master water supply pipeline. Conceptualized in 2023, this pipeline is designed to significantly improve water availability in several tail-end areas that frequently experience shortages, particularly during the peak summer months. It will have an impressive carrying capacity of 200 million liters per day (MLD), sourcing water from the proposed 100 MLD Basai water treatment plant-II.
The pipeline route will traverse along the Dwarka Expressway, passing through sectors 101, 104, 108, 110, and 110A, as well as Bajghera Road and Rezangla Chowk, before crossing NH8 and connecting to the existing Cyber Hub-Sector 16 water supply line. Key residential and commercial areas set to benefit include Palam Vihar, sectors 23A, 23, and 22, HSIIDC sectors 19 and 20, Dundahera, Surya Vihar, and DLF-III. Officials have highlighted that the pipeline will be integrated with the current network at four strategic points using resilient-seated valves, enabling efficient water diversion during necessary repairs or maintenance operations. The project is anticipated to take approximately one and a half years to complete once work is officially allotted.
Upgrading the Basai to Sector 16 Pipeline for Enhanced Capacity
The second approved initiative is a Rs 51 crore upgrade to the main pipeline that transports water from the Basai water treatment plant to the Sector 16 boosting station. The existing pipeline, originally designed to handle 170 MLD, is currently operating beyond its capacity at nearly 200 MLD, leading to frequent leaks and service disruptions. To meet the escalating demand driven by urban expansion, the aging 1,300mm diameter pipeline will be replaced with larger 1,600mm and 1,800mm diameter pipelines, boosting the supply capacity to a robust 311 MLD.
Under this comprehensive plan, a 4.3-kilometer-long 1,800mm pipeline will be installed from the Basai water treatment plant to Umang Bharadwaj Chowk. Additionally, a 3.7-kilometer stretch of 1,600mm pipeline will be constructed between Hero Honda Chowk and Rajiv Chowk. To further augment the network, an 800mm pipeline will be laid alongside the existing 1,200mm line from Rajiv Chowk to the Sector 16 boosting station, covering an extra 3.3 kilometers. Once finished, this upgraded pipeline network spanning about 13.35 kilometers from Basai to Sector 16 is expected to enhance water supply reliability in over 20 sectors and colonies, including Sector 10A, Sector 37, Civil Lines, and Sadar Bazar. Officials have projected that the work will be completed within one year.
Rebuilding Stormwater Drain to Mitigate Flooding Risks
The third project focuses on rebuilding a 1.4-kilometer stretch of the master stormwater drain, known as Leg-II, between Ashok Vihar and railway culvert number 50 near Bhimgarh Kheri, at a cost of Rs 17.6 crore. This section has deteriorated over time, becoming structurally weak with partial collapses, which has severely reduced its capacity to manage stormwater during heavy rainfall events, contributing to local flooding issues. Administrative approval for this project was granted in April of last year, with tenders subsequently floated to initiate the reconstruction process.
Leg-II is a crucial component of Gurgaon's drainage infrastructure, originating in Sector 27 and flowing into the Najafgarh drain. It passes through key areas such as sectors 29 and 41, NH 8, Atul Kataria Chowk, Sheetla Mata Road, Ashok Vihar, railway culvert number 50, Dharampur village, and Sector 107. While most segments of this drain have been covered, the portion in Ashok Vihar remains an open brick-lined channel. The new plan involves transforming it into a covered reinforced concrete structure engineered to handle higher volumes of stormwater flow, thereby improving drainage efficiency and reducing flood risks in the vicinity.
These infrastructure projects collectively represent a proactive step by the Haryana government to enhance Gurgaon's livability and resilience, addressing critical water scarcity and drainage challenges faced by residents and businesses alike.
