Gurgaon: GMDA is set to pave a 6 km-long unpaved road shoulder along the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) — from Ghata to Vatika Chowk — by laying interlocking paver block tiles. This is expected to curb dust pollution and address persistent waterlogging along the busy corridor.The road shoulder, which runs alongside the main carriageway, has remained unpaved even after the authority repaired the primary lanes between Ghata Chowk and Vatika Chowk in 2024.
Officials said the work, estimated to cost around Rs 5.5 crore, will focus on stretches where the shoulder remains bare and uneven, creating both environmental and traffic safety concerns.Road shoulders are meant to be used as emergency stopping spaces. However, with traffic volume increasing on SPR, many motorists — especially two-wheelers trying to navigate congestion — would use the shoulder as an informal lane. This not only raised the risk of accidents but also worsened the condition of the unpaved edges, as vehicle movement loosened the soil further and spread dust onto the main carriageway.Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) flagged the dust pollution on the SPR and directed civic agencies to take mitigation measures. Roadside dust is considered a major contributor to particulate matter levels, particularly during peak pollution months. Officials said paving the shoulder will help reduce loose dust and prevent soil from being carried onto the carriageway by vehicle tyres and wind movement.“Paving the shoulder with interlocking tiles is expected to reduce dust generation and also help address waterlogging. We prepared the estimate, and the tender will be floated soon,” a senior GMDA official said.Under the proposal, interlocking paver block tiles will be laid along the road shoulder across a 6 km stretch between Ghata and Vatika Chowk. The tiles are commonly used for quick paving solutions because they are relatively durable, allow easier maintenance, and can be removed and re-laid when required for utility work. Residents and commuters said the unpaved shoulder turned into a risky but routine workaround, especially during peak hours when the main lanes slow down.“SPR is 1 of the key arterial stretches, yet the roadsides are full of accumulated dust and turn muddy during rains. It becomes risky for two-wheelers, especially when riders try to bypass traffic using the shoulder. Paving the stretch is a welcome move, but authorities should also focus on improving the greenbelt and footpaths to ensure pedestrian safety,” said Sudakshina Laha, general secretary of Sushant Lok 2 and 3.
