Gurugram Metro depot relocation proposal sparks connectivity concerns

05 Oct 2023 CW Team

According to these officials, the Basai location, situated near the Dwarka Expressway, is unsuitable due to its low-lying and damp nature. Additionally, one acre of land is yet to be acquired from private landowners. If the new location is approved, the HMRTC intends to abandon the plan for a 1.85 km spur from Basai to Dwarka Expressway, deeming it unnecessary.

This proposal received preliminary approval during a meeting involving the department of town and country planning, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), and HMRTC on August 11. The meeting, chaired by Arun Gupta, additional chief secretary of the town and country planning department, outlined the plan to shift the depot to Sector 33, Gurugram, where Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) land is available in the open spaces zone.

During the meeting, it was decided that the town and country planning department would submit a proposal to the government, seeking amendments in the development plans to permit the Metro depot's operation in the open spaces designated in Sector 33. The usage of the site will be restricted to depot and related ancillary activities. The total land allocated under the open space zone will be transferred from HSVP to HMRTC with the approval of the competent authority.

HMRTC chairman Ajit Balaji Joshi confirmed the proposal, stating that the relocation of the depot would save the government at least Rs 500 crore. He also confirmed that the construction of the Dwarka Expressway spur would not be necessary in this scenario.

However, residents residing along the Dwarka Expressway expressed concerns. They pointed out that the absence of the spur would adversely affect Metro connectivity for thousands of residents in developing sectors between 81 and 99. According to Pravin Malik, president of the United Association of New Gurugram, an RWA body, if the spur isn't built, most local residents would have to rely on the proposed Sector 9 Metro station, leading to significant congestion. He urged the government to consider the long-term implications and advocated for the construction of the spur even if the depot is relocated.

Officials familiar with the matter revealed that the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited (HMRTC) has put forth a proposal to relocate the planned Gurugram Metro depot. The current designated site in Sector 101 near Basai is being reconsidered, with a new potential location in Sector 33 near Subash Chowk. According to these officials, the Basai location, situated near the Dwarka Expressway, is unsuitable due to its low-lying and damp nature. Additionally, one acre of land is yet to be acquired from private landowners. If the new location is approved, the HMRTC intends to abandon the plan for a 1.85 km spur from Basai to Dwarka Expressway, deeming it unnecessary. This proposal received preliminary approval during a meeting involving the department of town and country planning, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), and HMRTC on August 11. The meeting, chaired by Arun Gupta, additional chief secretary of the town and country planning department, outlined the plan to shift the depot to Sector 33, Gurugram, where Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) land is available in the open spaces zone. During the meeting, it was decided that the town and country planning department would submit a proposal to the government, seeking amendments in the development plans to permit the Metro depot's operation in the open spaces designated in Sector 33. The usage of the site will be restricted to depot and related ancillary activities. The total land allocated under the open space zone will be transferred from HSVP to HMRTC with the approval of the competent authority. HMRTC chairman Ajit Balaji Joshi confirmed the proposal, stating that the relocation of the depot would save the government at least Rs 500 crore. He also confirmed that the construction of the Dwarka Expressway spur would not be necessary in this scenario. However, residents residing along the Dwarka Expressway expressed concerns. They pointed out that the absence of the spur would adversely affect Metro connectivity for thousands of residents in developing sectors between 81 and 99. According to Pravin Malik, president of the United Association of New Gurugram, an RWA body, if the spur isn't built, most local residents would have to rely on the proposed Sector 9 Metro station, leading to significant congestion. He urged the government to consider the long-term implications and advocated for the construction of the spur even if the depot is relocated.