In a significant move to tackle Gurgaon's notorious traffic woes, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has announced a plan to develop five of the city's busiest intersections into 'model junctions'. The initiative aims to clamp down on rampant traffic violations and instill better road discipline among commuters.
Identifying the Problem Spots
The decision was finalized in a high-level meeting chaired by GMDA chief executive officer PC Meena. The meeting, attended by GMCBL CEO Vishwajeet Chaudhary, joint CEO Ravinder Kumar, and other senior officials, focused on persistent issues like signal jumping, wrong-side driving, and risks to pedestrian safety at major crossings.
The five junctions will be selected in coordination with the traffic police, based on critical parameters including traffic volume, congestion levels, and the frequency of violations. This data-driven approach ensures the interventions target the city's most problematic spots.
Blueprint for a Model Junction
Once identified, these intersections will undergo a comprehensive redesign. The planned upgrades include:
- Clear and proper lane markings.
- Designated and safe pedestrian crossings.
- Enhanced traffic signage and speed-limit boards.
- Active use of existing CCTV cameras for enforcement.
CCTV footage will be used to issue challans and impose penalties on violators, moving towards a system of automated enforcement. The GMDA's vision is to create exemplar intersections where violations are minimised, which can later serve as templates for similar upgrades across Gurgaon. Officials confirmed that these infrastructure and enforcement measures will be rolled out in phases following thorough on-ground assessments.
Parallel Push for Public Transport
In a parallel effort to ease congestion, the GMDA has directed the Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited (GMCBL) to undertake a complete optimisation of city bus routes. Currently, around 150 buses operate on 21 routes in the city.
Officials have been tasked with analysing passenger volumes, ridership patterns, peak-hour demand, and route performance to rationalise the existing network. On corridors with high footfall, bus frequency will be increased to better serve office-goers and students.
Looking ahead, with 100 new electric buses set to join the fleet by early next year, the GMDA has asked GMCBL to identify new routes for expansion. This includes emerging corridors like the Dwarka Expressway, aiming to improve overall coverage and last-mile connectivity.
The meeting also reviewed the Gurugaman bus app. CEO PC Meena instructed officials to make the app more user-friendly and passenger-centric. The authority plans to involve regular commuters for feedback, which will be used to enhance real-time information on bus timings, routes, and travel duration.
A Holistic Vision for Gurgaon's Commute
Outlining the broader goal, PC Meena stated, "Our priority is to make commuting in the city easier, safer, and more reliable. Developing model and violation-free junctions along with stronger public transport systems is key to improving daily travel in the city." This twin strategy of enforcing discipline on roads while providing a viable public transport alternative marks a concerted effort to address Gurgaon's chronic mobility challenges.
