NHAI mulls options to ease traffic on Delhi-Gurgaon highway

NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority (NHAI) is considering various proposals in consultation with the Haryana government that include relocation of toll plazas on Delhi-Gurgaon highway so as to ease traffic congestion.

"We are exploring various options to ease traffic congestion on busy Delhi-Gurgaon highway including shifting of the toll plazas. However, no concrete decision has been taken on this yet," an NHAI official said.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda yesterday met Road Transport and Highways Minister C P Joshi in this regard.

Sources said Hooda was in favour of making the stretch toll free and that was one of the options discussed. Huda had earlier shown interest in purchasing the project.

However, Haryana officials declined to comment on the meeting.

The Toll Plazas, operated by Delhi Gurgaon Super Connectivity (DGSCL) are located towards Indira Gandhi International Airport with 6 Lanes (for commuters travelling from Vasant Vihar and Dhaula Kuan and heading towards IGI Airport via Mahipalpur Flyover), at Delhi Gurgaon Border on NH-8 with 32 lanes and near Haldiram on NH 8.

Earlier, as per sources, the NHAI had asked the lead lender of the project IDFC and concessionaire DGSCL to come up with a proposal to remove the toll plaza.

DGSCL had taken a loan of about Rs 1,567 crore from IDFC for the project.

An estimated two lakh vehicles cross the plaza daily. Meanwhile, a case is pending with the Delhi High Court over the various issues including operations of the toll plaza.