FMDA pushes for state approval of delayed East-West Corridor Project

The Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) is expected to soon submit the East-West Connectivity Corridor project for administrative approval by the state government. Conceived nearly two years ago, the project has been delayed due to funding uncertainties, despite an estimated budget of Rs 1,550 crore, sources revealed.

Though the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared and submitted last year, the election process and lack of clarity on financial aspects have slowed its approval. One of the most expensive infrastructure projects in the district, it was announced by then Chief Minister Manohar Lal during an FMDA meeting in 2022 to improve connectivity within Faridabad and provide signal-free traffic movement toward Gurugram and Noida.

The DPR proposes constructing two parallel elevated corridors to enable seamless connectivity between the eastern and western parts of the city.

“While the proposal stands approved in principle, the election process involving Lok Sabha, State Assembly and Civic body, along with reported changes in alignment and design, halted progress and the project got confined to files only,” an official stated on condition of anonymity.

Recent design changes have led to a budget increase of Rs 500 crore, taking the total project cost to around Rs 2,050 crore. Authorities have yet to finalise a funding source, leading to speculation that the project might be handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) due to the large funds and clearances required, sources said.

Originally, a consultant agency hired by the PWD prepared the project’s initial report, after which it was transferred to FMDA in 2023. The proposed 14-kilometer corridor will feature two elevated roadways—Bata and Badkhal corridors—connecting the NIT area in the west to Greater Faridabad in the east. These areas are currently divided by a railway track, a National Highway and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The corridors will have several elevated sections to ensure smooth traffic flow.

During the FMDA’s review meeting in January 2024, officials noted that directions from higher authorities on funding are still awaited.