Gurugram Metro: GMDA Sets Focus On Last-Mile Connectivity, Potential TOD Schemes For Key Stations In The City

Following the approval of the city's metro expansion, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) aims to enhance last-mile connectivity for commuters and prioritise transit-oriented development (TOD) along the key areas.

Following a meeting with officials from the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) and the World Bank, GMDA CEO, P C Meena, discussed the TOD policy of Haryana and other important aspects of the comprehensive mobility management development plan, reports Indian Express.

Meena emphasised that the upcoming Metro will greatly improve connectivity within the city, and the GMDA will work towards developing the necessary supporting infrastructure to maximise the benefits of the metro services.

He highlighted the significance of TOD in ensuring the financial sustainability and stability of the project.

As the nodal department for mobility development in Gurugram, the GMDA will coordinate with all relevant departments to successfully advance the metro project.

A three-member committee of senior officials of the GMDA has been constituted for this.

The development authority is now focusing on providing non-motorised transport for pedestrians and cyclists, improved bus bays and junctions for easier access to the Metro stations, as per an ET report.

To enhance connectivity with metro stations and encourage the use of public transportation via the rail network, GMDA will adjust its micro-mobility planning.

This adjustment aims to create a high-quality integrated multi-modal transport system that residents can utilise effectively.

Last mile connectivity options in Gurugram has been a major concern over the years, lacking regulations and requires tighter hold under the transport authority.

Further, during the meeting, representatives from the World Bank presented on the applicability of TOD to the metro project.

The TOD policy integrates land use and transport planning. It specifically focuses on developing high-density mixed land use areas near transit stations, either within walking distance or along the metro corridor.

The planning approach promotes densification in the influence area by allowing for higher floor-area ratio or floor-space index. This concentration of people and opportunities near transit stations is expected to lead efficient utilisation and promotion of public transport.

The HMRTC has identified key metro stations in the new corridor, such as sector-29 and Subhash Chowk, which have the potential to be utilised for TOD schemes.

These locations will be further assessed for the implementation of the policy.

The recently approved Gurugram metro project will run through the city connecting Old and New Gurugram.  The proposed 28.8-km-long corridor will run between Huda City Centre and Cyber City via Old Gurgaon.

The corridor is expected to have 27 elevated stations, including a spur between Basai and the Dwarka expressway.

The estimated total cost is Rs 6,800 crore, according to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.