GURUGRAM: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Monday that the Haryana government will begin land acquisition to construct long-awaited 24-meter-wide roads in licensed colonies, with costs to be recovered from builders.
During his budget speech, Saini emphasized the need for a permanent solution to the issue of narrow access roads, which will be addressed in 2026-27. He pointed out that many licensed colonies currently depend on access roads that reduce to just two karam (approximately 3.3 meters) and four karam (around 6.7 meters) in some locations, creating difficulties for numerous residents.
Saini explained that the problem did not exist under Master Plan 2001, when the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) developed 18-meter internal roads throughout various sectors. However, the Master Plan 2021, implemented in 2007 amid the city’s rapid expansion, lacked provisions for adequately broadening the internal roads to 24 meters. Additionally, the necessary land acquisition costs were not included in the external development charges (EDC) imposed on private developers.
The chief minister noted that although a transferable development rights (TDR) policy was introduced in 2016 to fill this gap, it did not achieve the desired results. The revised TDR policy in 2021 has so far only accounted for 140 acres for road development. Questioning the previous government’s approach, Saini stated that the costs for acquiring land for 24-meter roads were overlooked when issuing licenses, leaving colonies between sectors 58 and 115 without adequate access infrastructure. “The government will now initiate land acquisition for the pending 24-meter roads, and the expenditures related to this will be charged to the respective builders,” he said.
The lack of 24-meter roads has remained a significant issue, particularly in the newer sectors. Last October, residents approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court for directions concerning the construction of both 24-meter and 30-meter internal roads. Residents have voiced that the missing road links have disrupted connectivity, delayed ambulance and fire services, and created dust and safety hazards. In certain societies, basic services like water pipelines cannot be installed due to inadequate internal roads.
According to the Gurgaon-Manesar Master Plan 2031, government agencies were assigned the task of constructing 60-meter sector-dividing roads, while private developers were responsible for the 24-meter internal roads. Each developer is only obligated to construct the portion within their licensed area. This fragmented approach has resulted in uneven development, with varying builders completing different stretches at different times, while gaps remain in areas where licenses have not been granted or projects have stalled, leaving several colonies reliant on revenue roads or unpaved paths.
Residents have welcomed the announcement, labeling the acquisition plan a long-awaited intervention. “Building the 24-meter roads will not only ease daily life for countless families but also ensure organized development in new sectors. Previously unlicensed land can now be developed for residential purposes, generating revenue for the government. This decision benefits everyone,” stated Sunny Daultabad, convener of the Dwarka Expressway Gurugram Development Association.
However, residents emphasized that they will keep a close eye on the implementation. “Our efforts will persist until actual construction begins,” asserted Sunil Sareen, co-convener of the citizens’ group.
