The opening of Dwarka Expressway in Gurgaon might be affected by the monsoon
As the monsoon draws near, the opening of Dwarka Expressway is likely to face further delays, according to officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). While they had hoped to complete the work within the next two months, the rainy season is expected to pose challenges for carrying out bituminous work on the 19km stretch within the city. Additionally, the relocation of a high-tension power line near Garhi Harsaru, which runs over the expressway, is still pending.
Construction activities in the final phases, such as surface drain building and roundabout landscaping, are currently in progress. An NHAI official stated that the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway is reaching its completion, with only pending bituminous work on some elevated portions. The contractor has been directed to speed up the process, and the drain construction is expected to be completed within a month, considering the approaching monsoon. All efforts are being made to finish the entire work within the next two months, prioritizing road safety measures before opening the expressway.
However, the shifting of the power line near Garhi Harsaru remains a critical task. NHAI emphasized that the expressway cannot be commissioned without this relocation, as it poses a safety hazard for commuters. The responsibility for the power line’s shift lies with Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL). The deadline for completion has been extended several times, with the latest being July 10.
A senior HVPNL official explained that the delay in shifting the line was due to the high demand for power supply during the peak season. However, they are actively monitoring the situation and planning a planned shutdown for three to four days to carry out the necessary work.
Originally envisioned by the Haryana government in 2006, NHAI took over the Dwarka Expressway project in 2016. Construction began in November 2019, with an initial deadline of two years. Once the 18.9km Gurgaon section is opened, it will help alleviate congestion on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and improve intra-city commute for residents of new sectors, as well as reduce travel time to IGI Airport.
Despite the progress in Gurgaon, the remaining 10km of the expressway in Delhi is not expected to be operational until next year.
Residents of the new sectors, who had been hoping for an early opening of the expressway, expressed disappointment and accused NHAI of deliberately delaying the project to favor the toll concessionaire. They are currently left with the option of either paying toll at Kherki Daula or taking a risk by traveling on the wrong side of the expressway via the Central Peripheral Road (CPR) to reach Gurgaon and Delhi. The CPR cloverleaf was recently closed for traffic due to ongoing construction work, causing further inconvenience to commuters.
Pradip Rahi, residing in Vatika G21, Sector 83, expressed worry about the possible delay in the opening of Dwarka Expressway. He urged the government to prioritize its completion, stating, “We were eagerly awaiting access to the Dwarka Expressway for commuting to other parts of the city. Residents of sectors 81 to 95 have no alternative route except NH-8. Unfortunately, during peak hours, there are daily traffic snarls at Kherki Daula toll plaza,” Rahi added.
