With the ambitious redevelopment of Gurgaon's railway station progressing swiftly, civic and railway authorities have now turned their focus to a critical supporting element: the approach roads. The goal is to ensure that commuters can reach the revamped station seamlessly, without getting stuck in debilitating traffic jams.
Key Roads Under Scanner for Major Improvements
At a high-level meeting chaired by principal advisor (urban development) DS Dhesi, officials from the railways and various civic agencies mapped out a roadmap to upgrade the surrounding road network. The plan specifically targets improving connectivity between the station, the Dwarka Expressway, Sector 5, and other local roads.
A primary focus is on enhancing the link from the Dwarka Expressway, particularly via the Sector 104–105 dividing road. Officials acknowledged that this stretch will witness a sharp spike in traffic once the new station is operational. They are examining all options, including potential land acquisition, to strengthen this corridor. Currently, the Daultabad Road serves as the 30-metre-wide connector from the expressway to Old Railway Road, but it runs through densely populated areas like Surat Nagar, Rajendra Park, and Laxman Vihar, making any expansion a sensitive and complex task.
Airport-Style Pick-Up Zones and Elevated Corridors Proposed
The Sector 5 junction also received detailed attention during the discussions. Authorities are considering creating organised drop-and-pick-up zones inspired by airport access roads. This design aims to ensure smoother vehicle circulation and reduce conflicts between local traffic and vehicles headed to the station.
"The idea is to allow vehicles to drop passengers at elevated levels and return without adding to congestion, while ground-level access remains available for nearby residents," explained a GMDA official.
Furthermore, railway officials, who confirmed that station work is on track for a June completion, discussed the possibility of a left-turning elevated corridor from the Dwarka Expressway leading directly into the station precinct. However, final decisions on such major infrastructure will depend on detailed feasibility studies and land availability constraints.
Next Steps: Consultant to Prepare Detailed Plan
To move from proposals to action, authorities have decided to engage a consultant. This consultant will be tasked with a comprehensive study that includes:
- Improvements for the Sector 104–105 road.
- Redesign options for the Sector 5 junction.
- Exploring possible direct links, which could be elevated or dedicated corridors, between the Dwarka Expressway and the railway station.
This proactive planning underscores the administration's intent to not just build a world-class station, but also to provide a holistic and hassle-free travel experience for the thousands of commuters who will use it daily. The success of the station's redevelopment is intrinsically tied to the efficiency of the roads that lead to it.