Ggn: Integrated connectivity may bring fresh round of development

Gurugram: The emphasis on the word 'integrated connectivity' by the Prime Minister may just prove to be the fourth revolution of progress that can usher in new forms of transformation for Gurugram.

After witnessing revolutionary developments, the first of its kind in the sectors of automobiles, residential real estate, and MNCs' growth, the focus has now shifted towards improving the connectivity to the 21st-century standards. In the previous cases again, the location of Gurugram is expected to play a key role in this growth model.

A great amount of investment in this regard will be poured in Gurugram that forms a key link in the ambitious Bharat Mala project, the objective of which is to connect the four metropolitan centers.

Gurugram has an advantage in this regard as it lies in the center of connectivity between Delhi and Mumbai. Works have already begun to enhance the road networks at Sohna road which in the future will form a crucial link for Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor. Rs 9,000 crore investment is also being mulled now to build a road link between Delhi and Vadodara, which again is going to pass through Gurugram.

The benefits of an enhanced road connectivity have already been witnessed in Gurugram with the repeated development works at Delhi-Jaipur Highway, popularly known as the NH-8, will have all the residential and commercial areas of Gurugram located in and around the highway, over five lakh vehicles pass through the stretch daily.

Having witnessed exponential success of Gurugram areas located in proximity to NH-8, the state government wants to replicate the same growth model in KMP expressway with the setting up of cities.

There are also plans to develop a rapid rail corridor to benefit Gurugram. Speaking at the function on Monday, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that there are plans to develop a corridor between Gurugram and Chandigarh. Once completed, there will be no need for people to come to Delhi which is further expected to reduce the traffic load.

If all goes according to the plan, there may be a possibility for the travel time between Ghaziabad to Gurugram to be reduced to just 40 minutes. There is a rapid corridor which is being planned between the two cities. By this, the distance between Ghaziabad and Gurugram will become 55 km. At present, the travel time from Ghaziabad and Gurugram is around two and a half hours by road.

The authorities have prepared a detailed project report for the Delhi-Shahjahanpur-Neemrana corridor and it will be submitted to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) board next month. There are however challenges galore. In the spree of constructing roads and improving the connectivity, there have been protests over thousands of trees that have been felled or are on the verge of getting axed.