Gurgaon's Signature Towers Underpass Remains in Perilous Darkness for Nearly a Year
The Signature Towers underpass on National Highway 8 in Gurgaon has transformed into what residents describe as "a risky passage", particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. Despite the installation of approximately 150 streetlights within the underpass, none of them are currently functional, creating a hazardous environment for daily commuters.
Commuters Forced to Navigate Using Vehicle Headlights
Thousands of motorists and two-wheeler riders who utilize this underpass daily report that the lighting problem has persisted for close to a year. As a direct consequence, commuters are compelled to drive through this dark stretch relying solely on their vehicle headlights. Deepak Verma, president of the Sushant Lok 1 Residents Welfare Association, expressed grave concerns to The Times of India, stating, "Providing adequate lighting is a fundamental road safety measure, yet it appears authorities have turned a blind eye and are waiting for a mishap to occur."
Verma further elaborated on the severity of the situation, noting, "Even during daylight hours, the underpass remains dim and dark. At night, conditions deteriorate significantly. Commuters have no alternative but to depend on their headlights, and with vehicles moving at high speeds here, the area becomes particularly risky and accident-prone."
Multiple Safety Concerns and Inconveniences Highlighted
Beyond mere inconvenience, residents emphasize that the dark underpass makes the stretch uncomfortable and unsafe for those traveling late at night. Several commuters have pointed out that the absence of proper lighting becomes even more perilous during rainfall, when visibility is further reduced. The underpass, constructed by the National Highways Authority of India and operational since 2018, serves as one of the city's most vital connectors.
- It links the Millennium City Centre metro station with the Sheetla Mata temple.
- The route passes through the bustling Atul Kataria Chowk junction.
- It is heavily utilized by commuters traveling between Old Gurgaon and the central part of the city.
- Metro passengers, local residents, and office-goers frequently depend on this passage.
Authorities Acknowledge Electrical Fault and Plan Replacement
An NHAI official has acknowledged the persistent issue, attributing it to an electrical fault in the area. The official explained, "There is a snag in the high tension current transformer chamber box. Our operations and maintenance team will rectify this in coordination with the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam." When questioned about the recurring malfunction of the lights, the official added that NHAI is planning to replace the lighting fixtures to address these ongoing failures. "New streetlights have been ordered to replace the old ones," the official confirmed.
Residents Report Ineffective Repairs and Demand Permanent Solutions
Local residents assert that they have repeatedly flagged this issue through various channels, including social media posts, yet have not witnessed a permanent resolution. According to commuters, the lights occasionally function partially, but the system soon fails again. Neeraj Jain, a resident of Sector 14 and a regular commuter, shared his frustration, stating, "Sometimes only one or two lights work, while at other times, it is completely dark. This has been occurring for almost a year now. Despite numerous complaints, no permanent solution has been implemented. There must be regular monitoring and a time-bound resolution to this problem, as the safety of commuters cannot be continually jeopardized."
Residents and office-goers alike report that the streetlights frequently malfunction, and any repairs conducted are temporary and do not endure. The persistent darkness raises significant concerns about road safety. Commuters claim that sudden patches of darkness, combined with fast-moving traffic, make it challenging to accurately judge distances and spot other vehicles in a timely manner, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
