: With Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari recently granting “National Highway” status to the much-delayed Northern Peripheral Road, popularly known as Gurgaon-Dwarka Expressway, the announcement is likely to give impetus to its completion and provide relief to thousands of investors who have put their hard-earned money into the residential and commercial projects coming up on both sides of the road.
According to National Highway officials, the road will now get dedicated funds for maintenance and recarpeting and have to meet highway norms on parameters such as dimension, central verge, crust, and lighting. Also, disputes related to compensation are resolved more quickly when a road is being built by the NHAI. After the transfer, the road will be under a highway administrator appointed by the NHAI.
The move will also boost the real estate projects along the expressway that are stuck because of lack of access. “The statement of Mr. Gadkari is sure to bring a smile on the faces of realtors and investors. A National Highway is a pedestal higher than any other road network, and with the Dwarka Expressway becoming one, the residences in the vicinity would be immensely benefited,” said Vivek Singhal, president- Corporate Strategy, M3M Group.
Rajesh K Gouri, vice-president, Homestead, said: “The announcement of National Highway status for Dwarka Expressway has given hope to thousands of buyers who are awaiting possession of their homes.”
Northern Peripheral Expressway is a 150-m-wide and 18-km-long artery provided in the development plan of Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex (GMUC). The road links Dwarka and South-West Delhi with Gurgaon-Manesar and beyond, and was acquired in the year 2008-2009. However, a number of writ petitions were filed challenging acquisition and consequently, 1.3 km stretch of this road could not be undertaken for construction. In order to facilitate the construction of this artery, the State Government had framed a proposal to re-settle these persons in Sectors 37C and 110A, Gurgaon. The Punjab and Haryana High Court disposed of these petitions vide its separate orders in May last year.
“We have received over 600 applications from the affected families for allotment of plots. We are in the process of scrutinising these applications following which plots will be allotted to them in Sectors 37 C and 110A. They will then be allowed six months’ time to construct their houses. We expect the expressway to be completed next year,” said HUDA Administrator Hardeep Singh.
About 1.3-km stretch of the NPR also falls in Delhi.
