A 6-kilometer stretch on Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) in Gurgaon, between Vatika Chowk and Ghata Chowk, is set to be widened into an eight-lane corridor. The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has assigned the project to an agency, officials confirmed on Friday. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 6.5 crore. The plan involves paving the adjacent road shoulders to effectively add one lane on each side of the existing six-lane carriageway.
Key Stretch Connecting Major Routes
The Vatika-Ghata stretch serves as a vital link connecting Golf Course Road, Sohna Road, Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, National Highway 8, and the Dwarka Expressway. Due to rapid residential and commercial development along this corridor, it witnesses heavy traffic throughout the day.
Current Issues with Unpaved Shoulders
Although the main carriageway on this stretch was repaired in 2024, the shoulders remained unpaved. During dry weather, loose soil from the edges contributes to dust pollution. In the monsoon season, the stretch becomes muddy and waterlogged, creating hazardous conditions. Some commuters use these unpaved lanes to bypass traffic, increasing the risk of accidents due to uneven surfaces and sudden merging near junctions.
Benefits of Widening
By converting these shoulders into properly paved lanes, GMDA aims to improve lane discipline, reduce unsafe overtaking, and enhance overall driving conditions. The project is officially scheduled for completion by the end of the year, but officials are making efforts to finish it ahead of time. “The work has been allotted and will start soon. We will be adding lanes by paving the shoulder to utilise the available road width more efficiently,” a GMDA official stated.
Public Reaction
Commuters have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a long-overdue step. However, some residents have called for comprehensive improvements, including proper drainage systems, greenbelt development, and pedestrian infrastructure. “It is better late than never. Unpaved roads are major contributors to dust pollution. It’s good that civic authorities are finally doing something about it. However, they should also focus on addressing other issues such as drainage and greenbelt along the stretch,” said Amitansh Verma, a resident of Sector Sushant Lok 3.
The project is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution in the area once completed.
