Gurgaon: Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday asked agencies to fix the stretch linking Dwarka Expressway and Umang Bhardwaj Chowk, which is riddled with deep craters, within 24 hours. When TOI enquired about it with agencies involved, they had one common answer — that’s someone else’s job. The road remained in the same condition on Tuesday, when TOI visited it. Although the 4km stretch falls under MCG, HSIIDC was assigned the task of redeveloping it last year, considering upcoming Global City project nearby. MCG said the chief minister’s instructions were meant for HSIIDC and that the stretch was no longer under MCG’s jurisdiction. HSIIDC, however, said it had not received any direction to make the road pothole-free within 24 hours. “While we are responsible for redevelopment of this stretch, ownership still lies with MCG, which is responsible for day-to-day maintenance. Even after redevelopment, the road will remain under MCG,” an HSIIDC official said. MCG said the road had already been handed over to HSIIDC. “The CM directed that the road be repaired through HSIIDC, and their officers agreed to undertake the work. This road is no longer under MCG’s jurisdiction,” a senior MCG official said. On Monday, the CM took cognisance of complaints about the damaged stretch during a meeting of the district public relations and grievance redressal committee. He ordered that the road be made pothole-free within a day and warned officials against negligence in public-interest works. He also directed removal of encroachments. When TOI visited the stretch, one carriageway between Gadoli culvert and Umang Bharadwaj Chowk was closed, pushing two-way traffic onto a single lane and triggering snarls. The road was riddled with craters, and sections dug up for sewer work had not been restored. As agencies dispute responsibility, commuters continue to face the consequences of long-standing civic neglect. The situation is worsened by sewage overflow spilling onto the carriageway and damaging the road further. “Potholes are all along the road. Overflowing sewer water from Saraswati Enclave accumulates on this road and further damages the surface. We have been suffering for the past many years. Even after the CM’s order, authorities are not acting,” said Goutam Maiti, a resident. The stretch is a key approach to Global City project, a 1,000-acre mixed-use development near Dwarka Expressway planned as a major residential and commercial hub. Pataudi Road is expected to become a crucial link once the project is operational. On Jan 20, Haryana industry and commerce minister Rao Narbir Singh reviewed ongoing work, during which officials said Pataudi Chowk–Umang Bhardwaj Chowk stretch would be developed by MCG, while Umang Bhardwaj Chowk–Dwarka Expressway stretch would be constructed by HSIIDC. “MCG will undertake the drainage work along this stretch. Once the drainage work is completed, HSIIDC will take up the repair and redevelopment of the road,” said industries minister Rao Narbir Singh. “The road was last laid over two decades ago, and for the past five years it was in complete disrepair. While the chief minister is issuing orders, officials on the ground are doing nothing. Because of the negligence of officials, the party’s image is taking a hit. The entire stretch between Gadoli culvert and Umang Bharadwaj Chowk is virtually unmotorable. At the very least, they should make it motorable immediately, and redevelopment can continue alongside,” said a BJP functionary.
