Gurugram’s Hero Honda Chowk and IFFCO Chowk, located along the National Highway (NH)-8, are notorious for enduring significant traffic congestion on a daily basis. These junctions have been plagued by a lack of pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, unregulated traffic flow, and ambiguous pickup and drop points for public transport, leading to frequent accidents.
To address these issues and prioritize the safety of pedestrians, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has recently issued tenders for the reconstruction of Hero Honda Chowk and IFFCO Chowk, two highly congested intersections within the city. This strategic move aims to ease traffic congestion and ensure the well-being of pedestrians in the foreseeable future.
These intersections are crucial entry points along the National Highway (NH)-8, making their redesign a top priority. The absence of pedestrian crossings and sidewalks, along with unregulated traffic flow and unclear pickup and drop points for public transport, have contributed to the high accident rate in these areas.
According to RK Mittal, the GMDA executive engineer, tenders have been floated to initiate the redesign of the two intersections, and the construction work will be completed within six months after the finalization of tenders.
The plan encompasses the creation of dedicated pathways for pedestrians, additional U-turns, and designated bus bays at Hero Honda Chowk and IFFCO Chowk. At IFFCO Chowk, the objective is to establish well-defined pickup and drop points for cabs, autos, and buses, along with the installation of signage to enhance safety provisions for pedestrians.
To address the traffic congestion at Hero Honda Chowk, an additional slip road will be constructed to facilitate vehicles heading towards Jaipur but requiring a U-turn to Delhi. This addition will provide two U-turns, effectively easing traffic congestion in the area.
Furthermore, dedicated bus and auto bays will be developed to optimize traffic flow and minimize delays on major thoroughfares. The estimated cost of this comprehensive project for both intersections exceeds Rs 2 crore, ensuring smoother transportation and enhanced road safety in the vicinity.
In addition to the construction of slip roads, the GMDA will prioritize the establishment of a pedestrian pathway, allowing pedestrians to conveniently and safely cross the road. This initiative aims to enhance pedestrian safety and promote efficient movement across these busy junctions.
GMDA officials have already conducted a traffic trial at IFFCO Chowk crossing a few months ago to ensure the safety and convenience of people awaiting transportation. The trial included the creation of pedestrian footpaths, zebra crossings, traffic signals, and benches for commuters.
Mittal stated that the traffic trial at IFFCO Chowk has been successful, leading to the decision to implement permanent changes at the intersection to ensure smooth vehicle movement and pedestrian safety.
By redesigning these critical city junctions, the GMDA is taking proactive measures to mitigate traffic congestion and enhance pedestrian safety in Gurugram. These improvements will undoubtedly contribute to a more efficient and secure transportation system for the residents and commuters of the city.
