Faridabad villages get access to expressway after long protest

Villagers who had staged a sit-in (dharna) at Mohna village in Faridabad since October 15, 2023, demanding access to the upcoming Faridabad-Jewar Airport Expressway, called off their protest today after 380 days. The announcement was made by Union Minister of State and local MP Krishan Pal Gurjar, who conveyed the government’s decision to accept the demand.

Ishwar Singh, a coordinator of the campaign from Mohna village, stated that the protest ended following confirmation from the state government that the demand for an expressway access point, or "cut," was approved in a recent meeting between Chief Minister and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. Singh said, “This is the first time our local MP, Gurjar, has come here to announce the resolution, and the residents organised a function to honour him.” He said the decision brings significant relief to residents of around 40 villages.

In his address, Gurjar expressed satisfaction that the issue was resolved amicably, allowing villagers to celebrate Diwali peacefully. “Access will be provided on the Expressway near Mohna village as demanded; there’s no need to worry,” he assured the residents. He also pledged that a copy of the revised detailed project report (DPR) would soon be given to the committee representing the villagers.

The agitation began on October 15 last year, with residents from several villages, including Mohna, gathering for an indefinite sit-in to demand direct access to the Expressway. Without it, they argued, villagers would face long detours. “The access will not only improve connectivity but will also create jobs and self-employment opportunities in the area,” said Om Prakash Pandit, a resident of Hirapur village.

The protest reportedly affected the pace of the Rs 1,660-crore project, which began in July 2022 and is set to conclude in 2025. Starting from Sector-65, Faridabad, the Expressway will end near Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, passing through several villages, including Chandawali, Sotai, Bahbalpur, Phaphunda, Panehra Khurd, Narhawali, Mahmadpur, Hirapur, Mohna, and Chhainsa, before crossing the Yamuna and the KGP Expressway.