Major traffic relief as KGP interchange to open soon, former MLA flags safety issues

The long-awaited interchange at the KGP (Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal) Expressway near Pelak village is nearing completion and is expected to be operational within the next two weeks. Initially proposed in 2018, the project received approval in February 2021, with land acquisition of over seven acres finalised in March 2022. Construction was undertaken in 2022-23, and now the facility is on the verge of opening, according to sources in the district administration and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Once operational, the interchange is expected to ease traffic movement between Palwal, Gurugram, Nuh, Rewari and Rajasthan towards Aligarh and Jewar Airport in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, it will provide much-needed connectivity to around 30 villages in the region. Currently, vehicles from various directions, including UP, have been navigating through Palwal city due to the absence of direct access to the KGP Expressway. The new interchange will allow these vehicles to bypass city roads, reducing congestion and improving travel times.

A significant portion of the 135-km-long KGP Expressway — about 37 km — falls within Haryana, starting from Palwal. Authorities claim this is the first such access point granted to the expressway. Officials highlight that heavy commercial traffic moving towards UP or other parts of Haryana will be rerouted via the interchange, alleviating the traffic burden on Palwal city. The facility is also expected to cut down travel time by over an hour for vehicles heading to Noida, Greater Noida, Jewar, Aligarh, Delhi and Sonepat.

However, concerns have emerged regarding the design and safety of the interchange. Former Palwal MLA Karan Singh Dalal, who had initially advocated for the interchange in April 2018, has expressed dissatisfaction with the project. He claims the design is flawed and could turn the interchange into an accident-prone zone due to inadequate width and poorly planned access and exit points. "This could result in mishaps," he warned. Dalal also raised concerns over the unresolved issue of toll exemptions for local residents.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Dr Harish Vashisht refuted any concerns about the project's safety, stating, “No complaints of any kind have been received so far regarding any lacunae in the interchange, which is expected to be functional within 10 to 12 days.”