The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is expected to open the underpass near Kherki Majra to traffic this week, which will significantly ease the commute between new sectors along the Dwarka Expressway and Hero Honda Chowk on NH-8. Earlier this week, the underpass was partially opened for a trial run.
NHAI officials stated that vehicles from Sector 102 side are currently able to access one carriageway of the underpass. They anticipate that the entire underpass will be fully operational within a few days. The opening of this 585m-long structure is anticipated to bring much-needed relief to commuters from new sectors, who have been taking longer routes to reach NH-8 and vice versa due to poor connectivity in the area. This project is expected to enhance traffic flow and reduce travel time.
The four-lane underpass, a part of the Dwarka Expressway project, lies below NH-8 and faced delays initially due to issues with land acquisition. Construction began in 2019 but stalled in January 2022. Progress resumed in September 2023 after the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) resolved the land acquisition hurdles. The project has cost NHAI Rs 240 million.
A senior NHAI official mentioned, "We have opened the left carriageway of the underpass for a trial run for commuters heading from new sectors towards NH-8. The right carriageway will be opened once the construction of the shed over the underpass is completed. We have conducted necessary safety checks according to protocol, and the trial run will help us identify any necessary adjustments. We aim to have the underpass fully operational in the next few days."
