GMDA Greenlights Major Storm Water Drain Reconstruction in Gurgaon
In a significant move to bolster urban infrastructure, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has approved the reconstruction of Leg 1, a critical 2.8-kilometer master storm water drain stretching from Old Delhi Road to Rezang La Chowk. This project, estimated at Rs 34 crore, comes ahead of the commencement of work on a new metro corridor in the region.
Urgent Need for Upgrade Due to Structural Weakness
Originally built over three decades ago using brick masonry, the drain has suffered extensive damage from years of sewage flow and corrosive gases, particularly in areas like Sector 22. The structure was transferred from the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran to the GMDA in 2018, highlighting its importance in the city's drainage system.
An official stated that a tender for the reconstruction project will be floated soon, with the metro agency setting a deadline for completion by June this year to avoid hindering the construction of the elevated metro corridor. This corridor, part of Phase II development by GMRL, will run between Sector 9 and Cyber City, passing through Sectors 22 and 23A.
Flooding Risks and Infrastructure Challenges
The drain originates from Sikanderpur village and discharges into the Najafgarh drain, traversing key areas including Sectors 18/19, Old Delhi Road, Sectors 22 and 23A, Palam Vihar, railway culvert No. 47, village Bajghera, and Sector 115. Notably, the portion from Rezang La Chowk to railway culvert No. 47 was already rebuilt by GMDA in 2024.
However, the remaining stretch from the Old Delhi Road culvert to Rezang La Chowk now requires urgent attention. A major issue is the drain's varying width: it measures 4.25 meters upstream of Old Delhi Road but narrows to 2.10 meters downstream. This reduction in width frequently causes overflow near residential sectors during heavy rainfall, exacerbating flooding risks.
Plan for a Modern, Load-Bearing Drain
Authorities have emphasized that the existing section cannot handle peak discharge from the catchment area, which has expanded due to rapid urbanization and increased paved surfaces. To address this, the plan involves rebuilding the remaining stretch as a load-bearing Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) box drain with a uniform and adequate cross-section.
The official explained, "The reduced width downstream further aggravates flooding during intense rain. Renovation of this drain is necessary to ensure effective disposal of rainwater and prevent structural failure." This upgrade aims to mitigate flooding in adjoining residential sectors, especially during the monsoon season, ensuring better urban resilience.
This reconstruction effort underscores GMDA's commitment to enhancing Gurgaon's infrastructure, aligning with broader metro development goals to support the city's growth and sustainability.
