Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, accompanied by BJP MLA and former minister Kailash Gahlot, inspected the Gurugram-Delhi Highway from Subroto Park and Dhaula Kuan to the Shiv Murti Interchange in Mahipalpur on Saturday to assess ongoing construction work and address concerns regarding traffic congestion and pollution in the area.
During his visit, the Minister highlighted infrastructural flaws in road planning at the Mahipalpur Flyover and Rohtak/Chandigarh Flyover, which
contribute to frequent traffic congestion. This stretch is considered one of the major
bottlenecks for traffic in the national
capital.
Sirsa was accompanied by officials from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Public Works Department (PWD), Airports Authority of India, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Delhi Traffic Police, a Delhi government statement said.
During the inspection, the minister identified key problem areas contributing to traffic congestion and air pollution.
He highlighted flaws in road planning at Mahipalpur flyover and Rohtak-Chandigarh flyover, which lead to frequent bottlenecks, and reviewed dust mitigation efforts at major construction sites such as the Shiv Murti Interchange and Airport Underpass where he noted a lack of green belts and inadequate dust mitigation measures.
Sirsa observed that several construction sites were left uncovered and that there was no regular sprinkling of water to control dust pollution. He directed DPCC officials to take appropriate action against such developers and contractors by imposing penalties under government regulations.
While interacting with officials, the Minister highlighted the direct correlation between traffic congestion, PM 2.5 levels, and overall air quality. He took senior PWD and NHAI officials to various bottleneck spots, demonstrating the infrastructural flaws that result in zigzag traffic flow along the lifeline of Delhi—the Gurugram-Delhi Highway at the Rajokri crossing, which intersects the Dwarka-Chandigarh byroad and leads towards Dhaula Kuan.
“If we can ensure smoother traffic through proper diversions, enforce dust control at construction sites, and maintain a green belt along the highway, we can significantly improve Delhi’s air quality,” the Minister stated.
At the Shiv Murti Interchange, the Minister instructed NHAI and PWD officials to assess and submit a feasibility report on the interchange, examining the expected number of vehicles and traffic movement that will converge on the highway through the proposed corridor. He emphasised that this stretch is already highly congested and faces daily traffic jams, making it essential to evaluate its capacity.
Sirsa directed NHAI to assess the need for additional diversions at major choke points and submit a plan in the coming days. He also instructed NHAI and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to work together to maintain and expand green cover along the highway. “The Gurugram-Delhi Highway is the lifeline of Delhi, and ensuring smooth traffic flow to reduce air pollution is my top priority,” the Minister stressed.
BJP MLA Kailash Gahlot, who was also present during the inspection, reiterated the concerns raised by Sirsa. “Along with officials from NHAI, PWD, and the traffic police, we inspected the entire stretch today. Strict instructions have been issued regarding the dust problem, and we will conduct a review in the coming days to ensure progress,” Gahlot said.
