The Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) is facing criticism for gross negligence during sewer line connection work on Khandsa Road. On Friday night, contractors dug up the main road without setting up mandatory reflective barricades or warning signs for commuters. This lack of safety measures has turned the stretch into a hazard for residents of Om Vihar, Char-Aath Marla, and Lakshmi Garden who use this route daily.
Major Safety Concerns and Resident Impact
The excavation was carried out in total darkness without providing any floodlights or red blinkers to alert drivers. Many two-wheeler riders reportedly narrowly avoided falling into the open pits between February 27 and 28. Since Khandsa Road is a vital link to Hero Honda Chowk and the Old City, the obstruction has added nearly 30 minutes to the average travel time. Residents claim that no advance public notice was issued by the department before blocking the main artery.
Mandatory Safety Rules for Road Construction
According to the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) and MCG standard procedures, every construction site must follow specific safety protocols to protect the public. The following table highlights the mandatory requirements that were allegedly ignored at the Khandsa Road site:
| Safety Feature | Mandatory Requirement |
|---|---|
| Barricading | Minimum 1.5-meter high physical barriers around pits |
| Night Visibility | Red blinkers and reflective Caution: Men at Work boards |
| Lighting | Adequate floodlighting for night-time excavation |
| Public Notice | Route diversion maps issued 24 to 48 hours in advance |
| Refilling | Temporary repairs or hard barricading if left overnight |
Current Status and Public Response
Local businesses along the Khandsa stretch have reported a significant drop in customers as the road has become unapproachable. While MCG officials often attribute sudden night works to emergency connections, contractors are legally bound to provide safety gear under the Haryana Municipal Act. Failure to comply with these safety norms can lead to heavy fines or blacklisting of the private firms involved in the labor. Currently, the traffic police are managing the congestion while residents continue to raise concerns on social media platforms about the lack of planning.
