Gurgaon: A 6-km stretch on Southern Peripheral Road (SPR), between Vatika Chowk and Ghata Chowk, will soon be widened into an eight-lane corridor by paving adjacent road shoulders, effectively adding a lane on either side. GMDA has allotted the work to an agency, officials said on Friday. GMDA has estimated the project cost at Rs 6.5 crore.The six-lane Vatika-Ghata stretch is a key link connecting Golf Course Road, Sohna Road, Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, NH8 and Dwarka Expressway, and witnesses heavy footfall due to rapid residential and commercial development along the corridor.Although the main carriageway on this stretch was repaired in 2024, the shoulders remained unpaved. During dry weather, loose soil along the edges adds to dust pollution, while during the monsoon, the stretch turns muddy and waterlogged.Some commuters using these lanes to cut traffic have only added to the risk of accidents due to uneven surfaces and sudden merging near junctions.By converting these shoulders into properly paved lanes, GMDA aims for more lane discipline, reducing unsafe overtaking and improving overall driving conditions.The project is officially slated for completion by the end of the year, but officials said efforts are being made to complete the work before the timeline. “The work has been allotted and will start soon. We will be adding lanes by paving the shoulder to utilise the available road width more efficiently,” a GMDA official said.Commuters have welcomed the move, saying that the step was much needed. However, some residents pointed out that comprehensive improvements, including proper drainage systems, greenbelt development and pedestrian infrastructure, should also be undertaken. “It is better late than never. Unpaved roads are major contributors to dust pollution. It’s good that civic authorities are finally doing something about it. However, they should also focus on addressing other issues such as drainage and greenbelt along the stretch,” Amitansh Verma, a resident of Sector Sushant Lok 3, said.
