Gurgaon: More than a month after U-turn underpass near the Ambience Mall opened for commuters based on experiments, the Indian National Highway Authority (NHAI) has changed its operating hours as an electrical connection for the structure is still awaited.
According to NHAI officials, underpasses, which until now are open all the time – unless there is a job that needs to be done in it – now it will remain open only between 7am and 10 nights.
“Underpass is still illuminated using a set of diesel generators since Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has not given us an electrical connection.
In such situations, given the fact that traffic moves towards the mall atmosphere and adjacent areas from Gurgaon reduced significantly after hours 10 nights, the decision has been made to close the structure to the commuter after this time, “said Nhai official.
Underpass, which is located on the border of Delhi-Gurgaon and is intended to be used by passengers traveling from Gurgaon to the atmosphere mall, Cyber ​​City and the next area, opened based on trials on October 17.
Although the traffic movements have been smooth in the structure since then, officials said they could not formally open it until they had secured an electrical connection.
At present, underpass is on using the 125KVA diesel generator set, which costs around Rs 30,000 a day.
“We are in talks with DHBVN to resolve the electrical connection problem.
They gave us an offer of Rs 50 lakh last month, which far exceeded the budgeted amount.
The new quote is being prepared, so the process will take time,” the official said.
DHBVN officials do not respond to repetitive calls and messages that are looking for comments about this issue.
Underpass Mall atmosphere 3.7km, four lanes have been built at a cost of Rs 102.9 Crore.
Commuter said the underpass reduced travel time not only for people who truly traveled through the structure, but also for those traveling from Gurgaon to Delhi, because it has reduced congestion on the border.
“I live on a golf street, but my office is located behind the mall atmosphere.
Previously, I had to go to Rajokri and return to Gurgaon to reach my office, which would add to at least half an hour for my trip.
Now, because of the underpass, time of my trip Nearly 20 minutes.
We waited for a long time for this underpass opened and it was worth it.
I only hope they solve the electricity problem immediately because the last thing the commuter wants is for restrictions that will be imposed on underpass operations, “Suhail Tiwari said, a resident of sector 54.