In a major move to address the persistent traffic congestion in South Delhi, the Delhi government is all set to revive and fast-track the long-pending Mandi Road widening and upgradation project. Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma has announced that the 8.8-kilometre-long stretch, which currently falls under the jurisdiction of the PWD, will now be handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for execution and future management.
A Strategic Move for Smoother Connectivity
The Mandi Road, beginning from MG Road near Chattarpur Metro Station and extending up to Faridabad Road across the Delhi-Haryana border, plays a critical role in connecting key urban and semi-urban hubs. Flanked by high-end farmhouses, residential complexes, and commercial establishments, the road is a crucial artery for daily commuters between Gurugram, Chattarpur, and adjoining regions. However, the rising vehicular load has turned it into a major choke point, especially during peak hours.
By entrusting the project to NHAI, the Delhi government hopes to leverage the authority’s expertise in handling large-scale infrastructure developments, particularly those involving complex land acquisition.
Why the Project Was Delayed — and Why It Matters Now
The Mandi Road widening proposal is not new. It dates back over a decade to 2012, when PWD had appointed a consultant to prepare a detailed project report. Although the proposal was shared publicly in 2013 and feedback was collected from local resident welfare associations, the project was stalled. At the time, it was estimated to cost ₹597 crore.
Fast forward to 2023, the plan was revived and approved by the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure Planning and Engineering Centre (UTTIPEC) under the leadership of Delhi LG VK Saxena, marking a renewed push to solve long-standing urban traffic challenges in the area.
What the Revived Project Includes
Widening of Mandi Road: From its current constricted 60 feet to the planned 100 feet, as per the Delhi Master Plan.
Land Acquisition: Approximately 20 hectares of land will need to be acquired to make the expansion possible.
Flyover Feasibility Study: A separate study will assess the potential for constructing a flyover near the intersection of Main Chattarpur Road and SSN Marg to further reduce congestion.
Better Maintenance and Infrastructure: With the road now being managed by NHAI, the focus will be on long-term maintenance, structural upgrades, and improved traffic flow.
A Part of a Larger Strategy
This is not an isolated move. Over the past few days, the Delhi government has handed over four key roads to NHAI, reflecting a broader strategy of decentralizing road development and management for higher efficiency and impact.
PWD Minister Parvesh Verma emphasized the need for this transition, citing NHAI’s greater capability in land acquisition and project execution as key advantages in meeting long-standing demands of local residents.
The Road Ahead
For residents and daily commuters in South Delhi, the Mandi Road upgrade promises major relief in the coming years. Once completed, the widened stretch will ease access between Chattarpur, MG Road, Faridabad Road, and Gurugram — not only cutting commute times but also boosting real estate value, commercial viability, and overall quality of life in the region.
As the project transitions to NHAI’s oversight, all eyes will be on the timelines and phases of implementation. If executed efficiently, this could become a model for other road infrastructure projects across Delhi-NCR.
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