Jagran Correspondent, West Delhi | Promises changed, policies changed, and the responsibility for road maintenance was even removed from the Public Works Department and given to the Delhi Metro.
Still, if anything hasn’t changed, it’s the deplorable condition of the central verge (divider) of Najafgarh Main Road in the national capital.
It’s been several months since Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s February decision entrusted the DMRC with the responsibility of revamping the 87-kilometre stretch under the metro line. This decision brought a ray of hope to millions of people living along Najafgarh Road, considered the lifeline of West Delhi, but the ground reality remains unchanged.
No Safety Measures On The Road
The situation between Uttam Nagar and Dwarka Mor remains the same, with the iron grills and cement barriers installed for safety missing, and dust replacing greenery. Due to the absence of grills, people are forced to cross the road amidst speeding vehicles, risking their lives, leading to a steadily increasing number of accidents.
Residents were raising a major question about the functioning of the Delhi Metro. They said the area directly below the metro stations has always been under the DMRC’s control, but even today, encroachment, filth, and chaos prevail. If the Metro administration can’t keep the small area below its stations clean and tidy, how will it improve the central verge of such a long road?
It’s worth noting that about a decade and a half ago, this road was transferred from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to the Public Works Department for a facelift, but the change in department didn’t change its fate. Now, the ball is in the DMRC’s court, but no visible improvement is seen on the ground. The walls and grills of the green belt along the roadside have also broken.
Experts believe that shrubby greenery on the central verge is crucial so that the bright lights of oncoming vehicles don’t blind drivers at night, and sturdy grilles can prevent pedestrians from crossing the road unexpectedly. Paper claims aside, the entire stretch from Uttam Nagar to Dwarka Mor remains desolate, and the public is still waiting for action.