GMDA Scrambles for Alternatives as Narsingpur Waterlogging Crisis Looms
In Gurgaon, uncertainty over a proposed culvert crossing along NH-8 has prompted the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) to explore alternative solutions to tackle chronic waterlogging at Narsingpur, one of the city's most severely affected stretches during monsoon rains. The culvert, originally designed to channel rainwater from the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway towards the Badshapur drain via the service road near Narsingpur and across NH-8, is now in limbo after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) declined to undertake the work, leaving the project stalled ahead of the impending monsoon season.
NHAI Rejection and Technical Hurdles
A senior GMDA official revealed, "NHAI has declined to take up the culvert work. We are exploring alternative solutions, including drain construction on the Jaipur-Delhi side and utilizing the existing culvert on NH-8. Our team is currently assessing ground conditions, feasibility, levels, and other technical requirements. A final decision will be made once these technical assessments are complete." This setback follows NHAI's rejection of GMDA's initial proposal in January this year, which cited design flaws and noncompliance with mandatory road safety norms for a stormwater drain and culvert crossing on NH-8. The authority demanded revised designs and fresh cost estimates.
The original design involved laying three piped culverts through excavation, but it was rejected due to concerns over traffic disruption and safety risks. In response, GMDA revised the proposal to incorporate a box-pushing technique, allowing underground construction without affecting surface traffic. However, this revised plan has also failed to progress, exacerbating the urgency as monsoon approaches.
Parallel Efforts and Missing Links
Simultaneously, the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) is planning a surface drain along the Jaipur-bound carriageway of the expressway at Narsingpur. In its first phase, a 1.2-kilometer reinforced cement concrete (RCC) drain will be constructed to direct rainwater towards the Badshapur drain. While HSIIDC handles the drain construction, the stalled culvert was intended to enable water to cross the expressway—a critical missing link that continues to delay a comprehensive solution to the waterlogging issue.
Repeated attempts by journalists to contact NHAI officials for comments have gone unanswered, adding to the opacity surrounding the project's future.
Chronic Vulnerability and Temporary Measures
The Narsingpur stretch of NH-8 has long been vulnerable to waterlogging, with even moderate rainfall leading to severe congestion and significant inconvenience for commuters. Temporary fixes, such as deploying pumps and laying pipelines, have provided only short-term relief, failing to address the root cause of the problem. With monsoon weeks away, the absence of a clear, long-term plan has raised concerns about another season of flooding and disruption.
Ongoing Projects and Timelines
In addition to exploring alternatives, GMDA is executing a Rs 5 crore project to construct a permanent RCC drain aimed at diverting stormwater from Narsingpur to the Badshapur drain near Sector 37. Although officially slated for completion by August, officials have indicated that efforts are underway to finish the work before the onset of the monsoon, highlighting the pressing need for effective infrastructure to mitigate waterlogging risks in Gurgaon.
