In a bid to alleviate the perpetual traffic congestion at Rajiv Chowk, one of Gurgaon’s most bustling intersections, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is formulating an all-encompassing plan. This development comes as a response to the increasing vehicular chaos witnessed at the junction, mainly due to the intersecting Delhi-Jaipur highway (NH-8) and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
NHAI officials have disclosed that they are currently engaged in an extensive study aimed at identifying measures to mitigate traffic conflicts arising from the coexistence of intercity travelers and local commuters at Rajiv Chowk. The issue was recently deliberated upon in a coordination committee meeting led by GMDA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PC Meena. Instructing the officials from both NHAI and GMDA to devise a decongestion strategy for the area, Meena expressed the urgency of the situation.
According to an NHAI spokesperson, a traffic assessment has already been conducted, revealing the necessity for interventions to minimize conflict points. However, the task presents several challenges due to the existing infrastructure and limited space. Additionally, plans for the construction of a RapidX station near the junction have been proposed, further complicating the situation. Consequently, NHAI is actively conducting a study to enhance intercity traffic flow, although the specific structure to be erected remains undecided.
The inauguration of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway earlier this year has significantly amplified the traffic volume at Rajiv Chowk. Presently, travelers heading towards the expressway make a left turn at Rajiv Chowk via a slip road, while those bound for Delhi merge with local traffic below the flyover. Typically, interchanges are constructed in urban areas to facilitate intercity traffic movement, accommodating local vehicular needs and reducing urban congestion. However, such a development is still pending at Rajiv Chowk.
GMDA CEO Meena told TOI that both authorities are collaborating closely to relieve the congestion at Rajiv Chowk. He affirmed their commitment to exploring all possibilities for enhancing traffic flow at this critical junction. The plan is currently in its nascent stages, and the decision on whether to construct an underpass, an elevated structure, or a combination of both will be based on the study’s findings and land availability.