Delhi-Jaipur Expressway Set for Major Overhaul with Resurfacing and Enhanced Safety.

A critical section of National Highway 8 (NH-8), the Delhi-Jaipur expressway, one of India's most heavily trafficked inter-city routes, is slated for a significant upgrade involving extensive resurfacing and substantial safety improvements. With conservative estimates indicating an average daily ridership of 3 lakh passenger cars – more than double its intended capacity – the expressway is facing mounting pressure.

"The expressway has long exceeded its designed capacity, necessitating immediate upgrades," a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official stated.

The comprehensive overhaul will encompass the entire 10-kilometer stretch of the expressway within Delhi and an additional 18 kilometers in Gurgaon. While the entire surface will be resurfaced, particular emphasis will be placed on reinforcing pavement layers in areas around flyovers, service roads, and underpasses to enhance durability. A crucial safety measure includes the replacement of existing metal beam crash barriers with more robust concrete barriers, aimed at improving impact resistance and reducing the severity of injuries in the event of collisions.

Beyond structural enhancements, the upgrade plan addresses critical road engineering flaws identified at accident-prone locations. This will be coupled with the installation of improved signage and road markings to enhance overall safety for commuters. Furthermore, the lighting along the expressway will be upgraded to a minimum intensity of 40 lux, significantly improving visibility during nighttime travel. "We will meticulously plan traffic diversions based on the site requirements and ensure that commuters are informed well in advance of any disruptions," the NHAI official assured.

A recurring issue of waterlogging on the service roads in Narsinghpur, which occurs after even moderate rainfall, will also be tackled with a complete recarpeting using ready-mix concrete (RMC). "While the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) is working on a permanent solution for the waterlogging issue in Narsinghpur, our use of RMC for the service roads will significantly reduce the need for frequent repairs," the official explained.

Similar overlay work, focusing on strengthening the surface layers through scarification, profile correction, bituminous concrete overlays, and seal coats, is also planned for the stretch between Hero Honda Chowk and Kherki Daula in Gurgaon. "Special attention will be paid to areas that have exhibited accelerated wear and tear due to waterlogging and uneven load distribution," the official added.

Commuters have largely welcomed the news of the upgrade, stating that it is long overdue. "NHAI has primarily been carrying out patchwork repairs on this highway. This expressway is truly a lifeline for those of us who regularly travel between Delhi and Gurgaon," commented Rajat Srivastava, a resident of Sector 70A. However, some commuters also voiced concerns about the underlying issue of capacity. Manish Agarwal, a resident of South City-2 in Gurgaon, questioned, "What is the real benefit of a smoother road if we are still stuck in endless traffic jams during peak hours? Unless they construct additional lanes or develop alternative routes, we will continue to face the same congestion."