gurugram-mg-road-makeover-plan-turns-nightmare-for-residents

Residents of upscale condominiums on M.G. road are up in arms against the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) for a pavement project, which has turned a busy stretch into a chaotic nightmare.

 

The makeover project worth ₹11.3 crore, termed as ill-conceived by the residents, was aimed at beautifying the road but has instead led to a slew of issues, including reduced road width, encroachment, illegal parking, traffic jams, and loss of green cover.

 

The plan was initiated to give a 'European look' to the area.

 

MG Road, dubbed the city's "mall road", was selected for redevelopment due to its strategic location as a pivotal arterial stretch. The road is flanked by residential societies, metro stations, commercial hubs, and malls, but lacked sufficient infrastructure to support pedestrian movement and cycling, making it an ideal candidate for rejuvenation.

 

The newly constructed pavement, double its original size, has become an eyesore, with hawkers, cars, and motorcycles parked haphazardly. The pavement which was constructed for the pedestrian's use, is now being served as an earning platform for the vendors.

 

The residents, who met with Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) officials, were left unsatisfied with the response.

 

"The CEO and Chief Engineer seemed unconcerned about our concerns," said a resident, adding, "They plan to break the left side of the pavement, forcing pedestrians to cross through traffic, amidst encroachments."

 

The residents are calling the project design, full of flaws, claiming it has left them fuming.

 

"There's no demarcated area for parking or hawkers. It's a free-for-all, with the walking track likely to be used for parking and vending," said another resident.

 

With pictures showing people walking on the road due to the unusable pavement, residents fear the situation will only worsen, specifically in the monsoon.

 

"This project is a recipe for disaster, with potential law and order issues. We demand a re-evaluation before it's too late," said a resident.

 

Meanwhile, the residents said that plans to alter entry and exit points along MG Road are in place, which they fear will create more chaos and gridlock to already crowded place. With numerous residential complexes, malls, and commercial establishments lining both sides of the road, the narrow service roads are already struggling to accommodate the traffic, a resident said.

 

"The proposed changes, critics argue, will only exacerbate the problem, making it difficult for ambulances, school buses, and other essential vehicles to navigate the area. The concerns are particularly pressing for the many senior citizens and children living in residential areas along MG Road, who may be put in harm's way by the anticipated congestion," said another person familiar with the matter.