2 years on, this is Gurgaon's model road

Time of India

2 days ago

Gurgaon: Open garbage dumping points, haphazard parking and unauthorised street vendors, persistent on-ground challenges have undermined the purpose of streetscaping project on
MG Road
, which is nearing completion four years after it was conceptualised as a 'model' road.
The project covers a 2.5km stretch from Sikanderpur Metro Station to IFFCO Chowk.
T
he MG Road stretch connects several high-density zones, including residential condominiums, metro stations, malls and office hubs, making it one of the city's most critical corridors. With a daily footfall of thousands and frequent congestion, the road was seen as an ideal candidate for streetscaping and mobility enhancement.
The project, pegged at Rs 11.3 crore, was designed to make MG Road more pedestrian- and commuter-friendly. It includes wider footpaths, dedicated cycle tracks, green belts and bus bays. According to officials, nearly 95% of the work is done: cycle tracks and footpaths are in place and 200 out of 250 planned streetlights are installed. The work, GMDA says, is expected to be wrapped up soon.
"This is among the city's key stretches.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
Signage and some lighting installation will be wrapped up soon," a senior GMDA official said.
However, parts of the stretch remain difficult to navigate, especially for pedestrians. residents and commuters say. Footpaths near metro stations, meant to ensure safe walking space, are often overtaken by illegal street vendors, forcing commuters onto the main road or service road. The vending zone designated in the plan has yet to be demarcated or enforced.
RWA president of Essel Towers Rajeev Sinha said, "On the suggestion of the civic authority and police administration, we have put up 'no parking and no vending zone boards'. But with no enforcement, it makes no deterrence to encroachers. If the govt agency has spent so much money on the beautification and functionality of this stretch, authorities should also enforce the rules on the ground Otherwise, it will be a futile exercise.
"
In front of malls and office spaces, haphazard parking continues to block cycle tracks and footpaths. Food delivery bikers are another concern as many ride on the wrong side or halt suddenly near mall entrances. , adding to the traffic mess.
Adding to the contradictions of the 'model stretch' is the MCG's open garbage dumping point near Meena Bazaar. An MCG waste trolley sits unattended, with trash scattered around due to irregular pickups.
The site has become both an eyesore and a health hazard for commuters in the vicinity.
Rajesh Thakur, a resident of Sushant Lok 1, asks, "Even with infrastructure in place, there's no discipline. You need enforcement on the ground, otherwise, it's all cosmetic. What's the point of spending crores on wider footpaths if they're choked by vendors every day?" DTP of GMDA RS Batth said, "The authority is undertaking regular drives to clear public spaces.
Drives have been conducted on MG Road in the past as well.
Now, we, along with traffic police, will intensify the drive and issue challans against illegal parking and encroachments"
The project faced a series of bureaucratic and execution delays. The initial tender floated in Dec 2021 failed to attract bidders as the applicants did not meet the required experience criteria. A second tender was issued in Aug 2022 and the contract was eventually awarded in April 2023. Work began two months later with a deadline of Dec 2023. Since then, the timelineit has been extended multiple times— first to March 2024, then May, followed by Dec and March 2025 and currently, the deadline stands at June.