The Central Government has sanctioned the construction of a six-lane access-controlled Greenfield spur in Punjab, a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion across Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.
Estimated to cost Rs. 1,463.95 crore, this infrastructure project will connect the Ambala-Chandigarh section of National Highway-205A to the Zirakpur Bypass, serving as a pivotal component of the much-anticipated Tricity Ring Road project.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced the approval on Thursday via social media. He highlighted that the new corridor is designed to divert heavy traffic away from the primary urban junctions of the Tricity area. By providing an alternative route for long-distance commuters and commercial vehicles, the project is expected to significantly ease pressure on National Highway-44, NH-205A, and NH-152, offering much-needed relief to daily commuters.
Beyond local decongestion, the Minister emphasised the strategic importance of this project for regional connectivity. The corridor is set to act as a "game-changer" for Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, particularly the Shimla region. By facilitating smoother and more direct travel, the project aims to slash transit times, thereby providing a substantial boost to tourism, trade, and overall economic activities in the northern belt.
Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for approving the project. In a statement on X, Bittu credited the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership for Punjab’s continued infrastructural progress. He noted that the Greenfield spur would not only expedite travel to Himachal Pradesh but also enhance road safety and reduce vehicular pollution.
The development marks a significant milestone in Punjab's infrastructure landscape, promising a more efficient transport network that aligns with the broader goal of regional growth and sustainable urban planning.
