SC wants Eastern-Expressway opened by May, but is it ready?
The SC has lashed out at the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for delay in inaugurating the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, a prime goal of which is to decongest traffic in the capital. After much delay, the SC has ordered the NHAI to ensure it is opened for public by May 31. But considering the NHAI's defense and the Expressway's status, uncertainty is high.
All about the Eastern Peripheral Expressway
The Eastern and Western Expressways were envisioned when the SC ordered construction of a ring road outside the capital for channeling non-Delhi bound traffic. The 135-km Eastern Expressway will provide signal-free connectivity between Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gautam Budh Nagar and Palwal. The Rs. 11,000cr Expressway is equipped with solar power lighting and intelligent traffic management systems. It's expected to reduce Delhi-bound traffic congestion by half.
Couldn't inaugurate on time due to PM's prior commitments: NHAI
NHAI had told the SC earlier the Expressway would be inaugurated by April 20. It has now said PM Narendra Modi was to open it on April 29, but couldn't do so due to "prior commitments." But "(we) can't wait indefinitely for the PM," the SC observed. It has ruled if it isn't inaugurated before May 31, it would be opened for public nevertheless.
Even if the PM was prepared, is the Expressway ready?
Incidentally, the Expressway's state is far from satisfactory. According to a May 5 report, the Palwal-Ghaziabad section still has cable piles and boulders and unfinished slip roads at regular intervals. Lamp posts and solar panels are yet to be installed in many places, and public amenities like washrooms still haven't been completed. However, a worker assured all will be done in "10-15 days."
Stark difference in status of Western Expressway, officials claim
In contrast, the Haryana government has assured that the Western Expressway connecting Kundli to Palwal via Manesar, which was scheduled to be completed by February'19, will in fact be done by June this year. Haryana's counsel said 81% of the 135-km project was already over.
