Gurgaon: NHAI okays Rapid Metro’s foot overbridge
The first proposed foot overbridge with escalators to be constructed by the Gurgaon Rapid Metro has got the approval of the National Highways Authority of India and the agency is now waiting for the Haryana government’s nod.
The first proposed foot overbridge (FOB) with escalators to be constructed by the Gurgaon Rapid Metro has got the approval of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the agency is now waiting for the Haryana government’s nod for the project.
The bridge will connect the Gateway Tower station with the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) office in Udyog Vihar across the Gurgaon Expressway.
The total cost of constructing the bridge is estimated to be around Rs 13 - Rs 15 crore. This will help the residents of the city to use the Rapid Metro services easily.
Rajiv Banga, managing director of IL&FS Rail, said, “We have already got an approval from NHAI. However, we are unable to start the project as we still need clearance from the government of Haryana as well.”
As the proposed foot overbridge falls in the green belt near the HSIIDC in Udyog Vihar, approval for the project is taking more time.
“After we get all approvals, it may take another five-six months to construct the bridge. So we expect the foot overbridge to be ready by May or June next year,” Banga said.
According to Rapid Metro officials, once the bridge is constructed, they expect their ridership to rise by 5,000 to 10,000.
“Currently, on a weekday, the metro records a footfall of 35,000,” Banga said.
He said the FOB will have escalators on both the sides and will cater to 50,000-60,000 people working in Udyog Vihar.
“We expect it to add to the ridership of the Rapid Metro. The footfall may increase by 5,000-10,000 after the bridge is completed,” he said.