Gurgaon: Old Railway Road and New Railway Road are set for a complete overhaul. GMDA plans to upgrade the two key corridors ahead of the redevelopment of the city railway station and the upcoming metro corridor, which are expected to increase traffic and pedestrian movement.GMDA has floated a request for proposal to appoint a consultant to prepare the detailed design and project report. The consultant will assess the available right of way, existing traffic conditions and future mobility requirements before recommending interventions, an official said, adding that the project aims to make the two corridors more pedestrian-friendly while improving traffic flow, junction efficiency and road safety.The redevelopment will cover around 6km of Old Railway Road from Rajiv Chowk to the railway station and around 2km of New Railway Road from Mahavir Chowk to the Sector 4-7 chowk.The two corridors pass through some of Old Gurgaon’s busiest residential, commercial and institutional areas, including Sadar Bazaar, Civil Lines, sectors 4 and 5, the judicial complex, the police commissioner’s office and the railway station. “The railway station redevelopment and the upcoming metro station in Sector 5 will further increase footfall. We want to plan these corridors in advance so that they can handle future demand while offering better facilities for all road users,” a senior GMDA official said.The consultant will assess the feasibility of continuous footpaths, cycle tracks, better pedestrian crossings, improved drainage, landscaping, parking management and junction improvements. “The consultant is expected to submit the report within three months of being appointed, after which the execution plan for redesigning the roads will be finalised,” the official added.According to GMDA, the study will also recommend carriageway optimisation, dedicated turning lanes, median improvements, traffic-calming measures, intelligent traffic management systems, street lighting, road safety features, signage, pavement markings and universal accessibility measures.Apart from mobility improvements, the project will also explore streetscape enhancements through landscaping, plantation, public seating, street furniture, vending zones and utility rationalisation to improve the overall appearance and functionality of the corridors.Officials said both roads are around 30 metres wide, but infrastructure has developed in a fragmented manner over the years, resulting in uneven footpaths and inconsistent road design. The proposed redesign seeks to create a more uniform and efficient streetscape across the nearly 8km network.Residents welcomed the proposal but stressed that enforcement would be equally important. “These roads are always congested because vehicles are parked outside shops, leaving little space for traffic. Better footpaths, organised parking and improved junctions are welcome, but the public and commercial establishments must also play their part. Without civic discipline, even the best-designed roads will become congested again,” said a resident of Sector 5, Dinesh Vashisht.
