Gurgaon's Potholed Road Sparks Bureaucratic Standoff Despite Chief Minister's Direct Order
In a glaring example of administrative paralysis, a critical 4-kilometer stretch connecting Dwarka Expressway to Umang Bhardwaj Chowk in Gurgaon remains dangerously potholed and neglected, despite Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini issuing a strict 24-hour repair directive. The situation has devolved into a classic blame game between municipal and development authorities, with commuters bearing the brunt of this civic failure.
Chief Minister's Directive Meets Agency Inertia
During a Monday meeting of the district public relations and grievance redressal committee, CM Saini took cognizance of numerous complaints about the severely damaged road. He ordered immediate repairs to make the stretch pothole-free within a single day, warning officials against negligence in public-interest works. The chief minister also directed the removal of encroachments along the corridor.
However, when TOI investigated the following day, the road remained in the exact same deplorable condition. Agencies involved offered a common refrain when questioned about the lack of action: "That's someone else's job." This bureaucratic passing of the buck has left the repair order effectively ignored on the ground.
Jurisdictional Confusion Between MCG and HSIIDC
The core of the problem lies in conflicting claims about responsibility for the stretch. Although the road technically falls under Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) jurisdiction, Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) was assigned redevelopment tasks last year due to the upcoming Global City project nearby.
MCG officials insist the chief minister's instructions were specifically meant for HSIIDC, claiming the stretch is no longer under their jurisdiction. "The CM directed that the road be repaired through HSIIDC, and their officers agreed to undertake the work. This road is no longer under MCG's jurisdiction," stated a senior MCG official, adding that the road had already been formally handed over to HSIIDC.
HSIIDC, however, presents a contradictory narrative. An official from the development corporation clarified, "While we are responsible for redevelopment of this stretch, ownership still lies with MCG, which is responsible for day-to-day maintenance. Even after redevelopment, the road will remain under MCG." The agency further claimed it had not received any formal direction to make the road pothole-free within 24 hours.
Commuters Endure Hazardous Conditions
The practical consequences of this bureaucratic stalemate are severe for daily commuters. One carriageway between Gadoli culvert and Umang Bharadwaj Chowk has been completely closed, forcing two-way traffic onto a single lane and creating massive traffic snarls. The road surface is riddled with deep craters, while sections dug up for sewer work remain unrestored.
The situation is further exacerbated by sewage overflow from Saraswati Enclave that spills onto the carriageway, causing additional damage to the already compromised road surface. "Potholes are all along the road. Overflowing sewer water accumulates on this road and further damages the surface. We have been suffering for the past many years. Even after the CM's order, authorities are not acting," lamented Goutam Maiti, a frustrated local resident.
Strategic Importance and Development Plans
This neglected stretch holds significant strategic importance as a key approach to the ambitious Global City project—a massive 1,000-acre mixed-use development near Dwarka Expressway planned as a major residential and commercial hub. Pataudi Road is expected to become a crucial transportation link once the Global City project becomes operational.
On January 20, Haryana Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh reviewed ongoing work, during which officials clarified the division of responsibilities: the Pataudi Chowk–Umang Bhardwaj Chowk stretch would be developed by MCG, while the Umang Bhardwaj Chowk–Dwarka Expressway section would be constructed by HSIIDC.
"MCG will undertake the drainage work along this stretch. Once the drainage work is completed, HSIIDC will take up the repair and redevelopment of the road," Minister Singh explained, outlining what appears to be a sequential approach that has broken down in implementation.
Political Fallout and Functional Breakdown
The ongoing neglect has begun generating political repercussions. A BJP functionary expressed concern about the party's image taking a hit due to official negligence. "The road was last laid over two decades ago, and for the past five years it was in complete disrepair. While the chief minister is issuing orders, officials on the ground are doing nothing," the functionary stated.
They added a practical suggestion: "The entire stretch between Gadoli culvert and Umang Bharadwaj Chowk is virtually unmotorable. At the very least, they should make it motorable immediately, and redevelopment can continue alongside."
As agencies continue their dispute over jurisdictional responsibility, commuters face daily hazards and delays. The situation represents a textbook case of how bureaucratic confusion and buck-passing can undermine even the most direct political directives, leaving critical infrastructure in dangerous disrepair and citizens without recourse.
