Gurgaon: Interchanges, loops and ramps at key junctions to allow smooth entry and exit of traffic — a 4.2km elevated corridor is coming up on Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) between NH8 and Vatika Chowk. GMDA has invited requests for proposals (RFP) to build the elevated corridor. Estimated to cost Rs 755 crore, the project aims to turn the busy stretch into a signal-free corridor and improve connectivity between major highways and the fast-developing residential and commercial sectors along SPR. The project is expected to take around 30 months to complete once the contract is awarded. At that pace, it would take over seven months to build 1km of the corridor. The elevated structure will run along the existing road. Officials said the design will be similar to grade-separated access systems developed along Dwarka Expressway. Once completed, the corridor is expected to provide faster connectivity between Dwarka Expressway, NH8 and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, while reducing pressure on key junctions such as Vatika Chowk and Subhash Chowk.The project involves upgrading the SPR stretch between Vatika Chowk and NH8 into a signal-free route, which authorities said will help manage rising traffic volumes and improve travel time along one of the city’s key links.A GMDA official said, “The agency selected through the tender will not only construct the corridor but will also be responsible for its operation, management and maintenance for 10 years after completion.”GMDA CEO PC Meena said, “Gurgaon is witnessing rapid urban expansion and the development of high-capacity road infrastructure remains a key priority to support the city’s growing mobility needs and sustain its economic growth. The proposed infrastructure upgrade will benefit residents and commuters from several sectors located along and around the SPR corridor, including newly developing residential and commercial clusters. This project is part of our continued efforts to strengthen the city’s road infrastructure and create a more efficient and future-ready urban mobility network.”Under this plan, an eight-lane elevated corridor will be constructed between Vatika Chowk and NH8. The project also includes a six-lane surface road with a provision for two-lane service roads on each side. Two-lane ramps will be provided at key intersections to ensure smoother traffic flow, while an interchange will be built at NH8 to provide seamless connectivity with the national highway.Officials said an interchange at Vatika Chowk is planned as part of Phase II, which will further strengthen connectivity between SPR and the Sohna elevated corridor. “The documents are being prepared and the tender for this will be floated soon,” a GMDA official said. SPR emerged as one of the city’s key mobility corridors, linking Golf Course Extension Road, Sohna Road, Dwarka Expressway and Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway. Rapid residential development along the stretch significantly increased traffic over the past few years, leading to frequent congestion at intersections.Officials said the project will also offer an alternative route for commuters travelling between Dwarka Expressway, southern Gurgaon and Sohna or Faridabad, reducing dependence on congested intersections within the city.Before construction begins, authorities will have to shift several utilities along the route. “The required right of way is available, so there should be no major issue on that front. In the project estimate, around Rs 40 crore was kept for utility shifting, which includes high-tension power lines and underground utilities such as gas pipelines. Most of the ROW is clear. There are not many trees along this stretch and if any clearance is required, necessary permissions will be obtained,” a GMDA official said.Residents, however, said adequate traffic management will be crucial once work begins. Neehar Ranjan, a resident of BPTP Astaire Gardens, said the project was necessary but should be initiated earlier. “Traffic on SPR increased significantly, especially after the opening of Dwarka Expressway. Both heavy vehicles and commuter traffic use this road, and the volume multiplied over the years,” he said.He added that construction should be carried out with minimal disruption to daily traffic. “SPR is the main arterial road for several sectors and housing societies in this part of the city and thousands of residents depend on it for their daily commute. Authorities will have to ensure that traffic movement is managed properly during construction so that the corridor does not become a major bottleneck,” Ranjan said.
