GURGAON: Delay in the completion of work on the master stormwater drain that runs between Umang Bharadwaj Chowk and Railway Culvert near Basai Chowk, is causing hardship to families living in sectors 37 C and 37D due to the traffic congestion that the area sees on a daily basis.
Residents claimed that GMDA’s slow pace of repair work on the drain has aggravated their traffic woes.A U-turn near Basai Chowk has been closed for traffic for nearly two years, forcing the commuters to either take long detours or drive on the wrong side. Moreover, the slip road has developed an uneven surface and potholes causing difficulty to commuters.
Sandeep Sharma, a resident of Sector 36D said the construction of the flyover between Umang Bharadwaj Chowk and Sector 9 has been a bane for the residents. “Due to poor design, we have been suffering for nearly two years. Moreover, the U-turn being closed near the Alpine school is an example of apathy and lack of accountability on part of GMDA. In addition, poorly constructed slip road is worsening the situation. There is a heavy traffic congestion during peak hours and wrong-side driving at this junction has become a common sight,” he added.
There’s around 10,000 people living in several societies in Sector 37C and 37D, including BPTP Township, Corona Optus, Ramprastha City, Imperia Esfera, among others.
“The daily nuisance on the stretch is a result of GMDA’s irresponsibility as they are not able to complete the drainage work on time. Sometimes we have to wait for more than 30 minutes to pass the stretch,” said Hemant Kumar, a resident of Park Serene.
Traffic cops too blamed the slow reconstruction of the drain for the traffic mayhem in the vicinity. “Although we try to regulate the traffic flow, people coming from sectors 37 C and D, Basai Enclave often drive wrong sides due to closer of U-turn, creating a choke point here. Even its ripple effect is felt at Basai Chowk too,” the traffic police official said.
The stormwater channel was damaged in 2019 when an agency was constructing a flyover at Basai Chowk and a railway bridge near Basai village. Residents of nearby areas complained about frequent waterlogging and in October 2021, GMDA approved repair work to reconstruct the 1.5km long drain for Rs 13 crore. The project was allotted in February 2022 with a four-month deadline, but till date it has not been completed. Several challenges during the execution of work including high groundwater levels and loose soils affected the progress of the work.
The GMDA officials, meanwhile conceded that there has been some delay but maintained they will be able to complete the work by end of February next year.
“Several factors were involved that affected the progress as we have to work cautiously during excavation to prevent soil collapse that would affect the adjoining structure. Rain also hinders the workflow. However, we have now connected the drainage near the Alpine school, and are trying to complete the work by end of February,” the GMDA official said.
Residents claimed that GMDA’s slow pace of repair work on the drain has aggravated their traffic woes.A U-turn near Basai Chowk has been closed for traffic for nearly two years, forcing the commuters to either take long detours or drive on the wrong side. Moreover, the slip road has developed an uneven surface and potholes causing difficulty to commuters.
Sandeep Sharma, a resident of Sector 36D said the construction of the flyover between Umang Bharadwaj Chowk and Sector 9 has been a bane for the residents. “Due to poor design, we have been suffering for nearly two years. Moreover, the U-turn being closed near the Alpine school is an example of apathy and lack of accountability on part of GMDA. In addition, poorly constructed slip road is worsening the situation. There is a heavy traffic congestion during peak hours and wrong-side driving at this junction has become a common sight,” he added.
There’s around 10,000 people living in several societies in Sector 37C and 37D, including BPTP Township, Corona Optus, Ramprastha City, Imperia Esfera, among others.
“The daily nuisance on the stretch is a result of GMDA’s irresponsibility as they are not able to complete the drainage work on time. Sometimes we have to wait for more than 30 minutes to pass the stretch,” said Hemant Kumar, a resident of Park Serene.
Traffic cops too blamed the slow reconstruction of the drain for the traffic mayhem in the vicinity. “Although we try to regulate the traffic flow, people coming from sectors 37 C and D, Basai Enclave often drive wrong sides due to closer of U-turn, creating a choke point here. Even its ripple effect is felt at Basai Chowk too,” the traffic police official said.
The stormwater channel was damaged in 2019 when an agency was constructing a flyover at Basai Chowk and a railway bridge near Basai village. Residents of nearby areas complained about frequent waterlogging and in October 2021, GMDA approved repair work to reconstruct the 1.5km long drain for Rs 13 crore. The project was allotted in February 2022 with a four-month deadline, but till date it has not been completed. Several challenges during the execution of work including high groundwater levels and loose soils affected the progress of the work.
The GMDA officials, meanwhile conceded that there has been some delay but maintained they will be able to complete the work by end of February next year.
“Several factors were involved that affected the progress as we have to work cautiously during excavation to prevent soil collapse that would affect the adjoining structure. Rain also hinders the workflow. However, we have now connected the drainage near the Alpine school, and are trying to complete the work by end of February,” the GMDA official said.