The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has directed the Gurugram Metro Rail Limited (GMRL) to assess the feasibility of constructing parallel grade separators along the proposed metro corridor between Millennium City Centre and Subhash Chowk. This initiative aims to establish a signal-free traffic corridor in the rapidly growing city.
Meeting Highlights Future Traffic Management
The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by GMDA Chief Executive Officer PC Meena on Friday. Officials reviewed future traffic management requirements along the upcoming metro alignment, emphasizing the need to address potential congestion around metro stations.
Key Junctions Identified for Grade Separators
Grade separators are likely to be planned at critical junctions, including sectors 40-41, 44-45, and 45-46 along Netaji Subhash Marg. These structures are intended to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow, similar to the Dwarka Expressway model where elevated structures run parallel to the main carriageway at junctions.
Addressing Congestion from Metro Operations
Officials stated that the move is aimed at mitigating future congestion likely to arise around metro stations due to increased feeder traffic, parking demand, and passenger pick-up and drop-off movements. The metro corridor serves as a major connectivity link between Golf Course Road and Dwarka Expressway through Millennium City Centre, Bakhtawar Chowk, Subhash Chowk, Hero Honda Chowk, Umang Bhardwaj Chowk, and Basai Chowk.
Existing and Proposed Infrastructure
While flyovers and underpasses are already operational at major intersections such as Subhash Chowk and Hero Honda Chowk, additional grade separation projects have been proposed at Bakhtawar Chowk and Umang Bhardwaj Chowk. These will be undertaken by GMRL and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). A senior GMDA official noted, “This stretch functions as one continuous corridor, and the focus is to decongest it before traffic pressure increases further.”
Feasibility Study and Timeline
The feasibility study will be conducted by the consultant already engaged by GMRL for the metro project. Officials expect the preliminary report to be submitted to GMDA within two weeks. The assessment will include traffic studies, structural planning, right-of-way availability, and integration with the proposed metro infrastructure. A detailed project report will follow the feasibility study.
Long-Term Vision for Signal-Free Corridor
The official added, “With metro stations planned along the route, substantial traffic movement is expected around station areas because of feeder services, parking and pick-up and drop-off activity. Since the metro line is proposed along the central verge, space availability is limited. Therefore, the idea is to develop parallel grade separators to ensure signal-free movement along the corridor.” The long-term plan is to develop a continuous signal-free corridor along the 60-metre-wide road network extending from Millennium City Centre towards Dwarka Expressway. “Several intersections on this corridor are already being taken up separately for grade separation. Once these projects are completed in phases, the aim is to ensure seamless traffic movement across the entire stretch,” the official concluded.
