Palam Vihar Road Closed for Sewer Line Work: Traffic Disruptions and Alternative Routes

Major Road Closure in Gurugram Causes Heavy Traffic and Commuter Inconvenience

Gurugram — The complete closure of Palam Vihar Road for sewer line work has caused significant disruption to traffic and commuter routes. Barricades have been set up at Sector 5 Chowk and Krishna Chowk to restrict traffic, with light vehicles and small cars being diverted through side lanes. The road is expected to remain closed for the next fifteen days.

Heavy Traffic Observed

The closure, which began two days ago, resulted in heavy traffic on Monday, the first working day since the road was shut down. Drivers coming from Krishna Chowk and Sector 5 had to turn back due to the roadblocks. The municipal corporation and traffic police closed the road on Friday, with work starting on Saturday.

Sewer Line Work Details

The untreated water from Ashok Vihar flows into the stormwater drain, contaminating the Najafgarh Drain and eventually the Yamuna River in Delhi. Following the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) orders, a 100-meter section of the sewer line will be connected to the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority’s (GMDA) master sewer line. Although barricades were temporarily removed on Sunday for the UPSC exam, they were reinstated on Monday morning.

Impact on Commuters

Over 30,000 vehicles pass through Palam Vihar Road daily, leading to significant inconvenience. Local residents, including Bhim Singh Yadav and Advocate Anju Rawat, reported difficulties in commuting due to the road closure. ACP Traffic Surender Kaur mentioned that signboards have been placed at various points for public convenience, although many drivers remain unaware of the closure.

Alternative Routes Suggested

For drivers coming from Sheetla Mata Road, Sector 5, or Old Railway Road, it is advised to avoid Sector 5 Chowk. Instead, take the Daulatabad Flyover from Railway Road and proceed towards Dwarka Expressway, then head towards Palam Vihar from Bajghera. Similarly, commuters from Palam Vihar to Sheetla Mata Road should take the Old Delhi Road route via Atul Kataria Chowk.

Traffic Police Preparations

Despite the road closure, traffic police preparations appear incomplete, with inadequate signage and lack of public awareness about the closure. It is recommended to install signboards at key locations like Sector 5, near Sheetla Mata Temple, Krishna Chowk, Palam Vihar, Rezangla Chowk, and to utilize social media for updates.

Official Statements

Nishupal Gulia, Junior Engineer, Municipal Corporation: “The work to connect the untreated water from Ashok Vihar to the GMDA’s master sewer line has begun as per NGT orders. The road closure permission was obtained for this purpose, and the work will be completed within a week.”

Surender Kaur, ACP Traffic West: “The road is closed due to the municipal corporation’s sewer line work. If necessary, the road can be reopened.”

The closure will impact residents of several areas including Ashok Vihar Phase 1, 2, 3, Sector 21, 22, 23, Palam Vihar, and Bajghera. These residents will need to use alternative routes through internal sectors and colonies.

Key Takeaways

• Palam Vihar Road closed for 15 days for sewer line work.
• Heavy traffic and inconvenience for commuters.
• Alternative routes suggested for smoother travel.
• Inadequate traffic police preparations and signage.
• Work initiated following NGT orders to connect untreated water to the master sewer line.
• Affected areas include Ashok Vihar, various sectors, Palam Vihar, and Bajghera.

For more updates and detailed news, visit Sarhind Times.