The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is planning to improve footpaths and cycle tracks on the 2.6 km stretch of the MG Road between IFFCO Chowk and Sikanderpur metro station. The Authority is additionally proposing to build table-top crossings, demarcate dedicated vending points, improve bus queue shelters and create seating space under the Rs 13.87-crore project. One of the busiest stretches in the city, MG Road houses many malls — MGF Metropolitan, Sahara mall, City Centre, and Metropolis Mall — and private offices, hotels, gated societies and two metro stations — MG Road and Sikanderpur metro stations. As a result, the area observes a heavy rush of pedestrians to cross the roads that leaves it risk-prone. As per the GMDA authorities, table-top zebra crossings were being viewed for the stretch to promote the movement of pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles by ensuring slower driving speeds. An official told the media that the whole stretch would be redeveloped to guarantee better space utilisation for pedestrians and cyclists and make it more systematic. Earlier this week, GMDA’s Core Planning Cell (CPC) was notified that civil works under the project would be done by the Authority, while the greenery work would be done by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and stretch beautification would be done by corporates through CSR initiatives. A GMDA official told the media that the CPC has recommended the work. They will shortly conduct a meeting with all stakeholders, involving the malls and other enterprises, along the stretch to discuss the design. The project, including various civil works, was expected to take at least nine months to develop after the allotment of an agency. They should be able to present the project by 2022 end. Namrata Sharma, who works at a private company situated on MG Road, told the media cycle tracks and demarcated crossings for pedestrians would make the stretch more secure for pedestrians and drivers. Image Source Also read: BMC plans beautification of footpaths at 33 locations in Mumbai