GMDA to assume control of 3 NH8 underpasses, urges NHAI for fixes

GMDA is likely to take control of three underpasses situated on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway. This decision was prompted by NHAI's request to the metropolitan authority to assume possession of the underpasses. After receiving the request, GMDA conducted an assessment and identified various issues, such as cracks on the walls and seepage. The authority has now requested NHAI to address these faults before the handover process takes place. NHAI had been urging GMDA for the past year to take over the maintenance of the underpasses at Iffco Chowk, Signature Tower, and Rajiv Chowk. However, GMDA hesitated due to structural deficiencies. Subsequently, NHAI sought directions from the state government regarding the matter. During a recent meeting, Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal instructed GMDA officials to inform NHAI about the deficiencies that must be rectified before initiating the handover process. Additionally, the government will make a policy decision regarding the transfer of assets, considering these structures' integral role in the national highway, as mentioned by a GMDA official. According to GMDA's assessment, seepage is observed at the Iffco Chowk underpass due to inadequate drainage. Cracks are visible on the walls and roads of all three underpasses. Some places have damaged sheds and footpaths, while the escalators at Signature Tower and Iffco Chowk are non-functional.