FCC

NHAI approves land acquisition for Dwarka Expressway Connectivity

2023-07-25

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has agreed to proceed with the acquisition of land at eight specific points on the Dwarka Expressway under the NHAI Act. This move aims to connect sector roads in the city with the highway, bringing improved connectivity to the area.

The proposal received initial approval from NHAI chairman, Santosh Kumar Yadav, who personally inspected the Gurugram stretch of the expressway. Accompanied by officials from the Gurugram district administration, they observed that only a few finishing touches remain on the stretch, making it ready for traffic in the near future.

During the inspection, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) chief executive officer PC Meena was present and informed that they had previously discussed the land acquisition proposal at the eight critical points with the NHAI chairman. Now, with the in-principle approval, GMDA will submit a formal proposal within a week, and the required funds for land acquisition will be promptly provided. The NHAI will take charge of building the necessary infrastructure as part of the project.

To enhance the environmental aspect of the expressway, the NHAI chairman directed officials to implement the Miyawaki method near Kherki Daula. This approach allows for dense planting of trees in a limited space, resulting in a green stretch with high-density greenery.

The chairman's visit began with an exhibition organised by the NHAI, showcasing the Dwarka Expressway project. Subsequently, he inspected the expressway stretch from Bajghera to Kherki Daula, accompanied by GMDA CEO PC Meena and Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav.

The Dwarka Expressway is a significant 29-kilometer-long project being developed in four phases. Initially handed over to NHAI by the Haryana government in 2016 after experiencing multiple delays, the project is estimated to cost Rs 70 billion.

The chairman's impromptu visit aimed to review the progress of the expressway project and motivate contractors and officials to expedite the work. Such visits by high-ranking officials serve as a catalyst for accelerating progress on such projects.

It is noteworthy that the expressway is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi next year.