Gurgaon: Two days after CM Nayab Singh Saini asked agencies to fix 4km stretch between Umang Bhardwaj Chowk and Dwarka Expressway, which is riddled with deep craters, within 24 hours, MCG began repair work on Wednesday, highlighting the gap between political directives and execution of work. MCG officials said the road would be cleared of slush and sewage and then potholes would be filled to make it motorable. On Wednesday, MCG started patchwork repairs. “We are first going to clear the road and then fill potholes using granular sub-base (GSB). Both lanes of Dwarka Expressway stretch will be rectified,” an MCG official said. The official added that HSIIDC would carry out full redevelopment within three to six months. On Monday, Saini took cognisance of complaints during a district grievance redressal meeting and directed officials to fix the road within a day, warning against negligence in public-interest works. However, when TOI visited the stretch on Tuesday, it remained unmotorable, with one carriageway shut, two-way traffic forced into a single lane, sewage water pooling on the surface, and deep craters endangering commuters. As TOI enquired about the condition of the road with agencies, a blame game followed. MCG officials initially said the CM’s directions were meant for HSIIDC, claiming the road was no longer under MCG’s jurisdiction. HSIIDC responded that while it is responsible for long-term redevelopment, ownership and day-to-day maintenance rest with MCG. “We did not receive any direction to make the road pothole-free within 24 hours,” an HSIIDC official said. “Why should CM have to step in for something as basic as road repairs? This is clearly the responsibility of civic authorities. Unfortunately, it often appears that action is taken only after directions come from the top political leadership. The current condition of this stretch is beyond minor repairs; the road has virtually ceased to exist,” said Udaybir Yadav, ex RWA President of Sector 10A. He added, “Filling potholes with GSB without proper bituminous patchwork only worsens dust pollution and offers no lasting solution. What this road requires is complete redevelopment, and that too without any further delay.” On Jan 20, Haryana industry and commerce minister Rao Narbir Singh reviewed key development works. During the review, officials said Pataudi Chowk–Umang Bhardwaj Chowk stretch would be developed by MCG, while the Umang Bhardwaj Chowk–Dwarka Expressway stretch would be constructed by HSIIDC. The road is a key approach to the upcoming 1,000-acre Global City project. Residents in the area said it has not been relaid in over two decades and has remained in poor condition for the past five years, with civic neglect continuing despite repeated complaints.
