A significant infrastructure development in Punjab is on the cusp of completion, promising to drastically reduce travel times between key cities. The 27.37-kilometre Mohali-Sirhind Greenfield Highway is slated for opening to the public by September, heralding an era of enhanced connectivity for Patiala and its surrounding districts.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that once operational, the highway is expected to cut the travel duration between Patiala and Chandigarh to approximately one hour. This new corridor is designed to merge with National Highway 44 near Sirhind, offering a faster route not only for residents of Patiala but also for those in Ludhiana, Barnala, Moga, and other districts within the region, thereby improving connectivity along the Patiala-Sirhind road.
In parallel, the double-laning of the 29-kilometre Sirhind-Patiala road, a stretch historically known for frequent accidents, is anticipated to be finished by the end of July. This project aims to address safety concerns and improve traffic flow on this vital segment.
According to details provided by the Patiala Deputy Commissioner, Himanshu Aggarwal, the construction of the central divider on the Sirhind-Patiala road is in its final stages. Following this, road markings will be undertaken to ensure clear guidance for motorists.
Ashim Bansal, the Project Director for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), confirmed that the Mohali-Sirhind project is nearing its conclusion. He explained that the road’s opening has been deferred due to the ongoing monsoon season, which has delayed essential finishing works such as road markings. Bansal stated that the highway is expected to be fully accessible to the public by the beginning of September.
Bansal further elaborated on the highway’s connectivity points, noting that one arm will provide access near Landran, while another will link directly to IT City in Mohali. Road safety experts project that this access-controlled corridor, featuring four to six lanes, will reduce the travel time between Mohali and Sirhind to a mere 30 minutes. A significant benefit will be the ability for drivers to bypass the perpetually congested Landran Chowk on State Highway 12A.
Despite the impending opening, Bansal has appealed to commuters to refrain from using the highway until all construction and safety works are officially completed. He cautioned that in the event of a vehicle breakdown on the unfinished stretch, timely assistance might be difficult to provide.
For a considerable period, the journey from Patiala to Chandigarh has been perceived as arduous. This was attributed, in part, to the haphazard development of colonies with direct access points onto the highway, disrupting smooth traffic flow. Residents of areas like Royal City have long voiced their demands for improved transportation links between Mohali and Patiala.
Kamaljit Singh, a resident of Officers’ Colony in Patiala, highlighted previous bottlenecks, including the relocation of the interstate bus terminus near Urban Estate Chowk, which significantly impacted commuters heading towards Chandigarh. He also pointed to the series of traffic lights from Chett Chowk to Mohali as major impediments to efficient travel, contributing not only to extended journey times but also to significant driver fatigue.
Gurmeet Singh Sondhi, a banker from Moga, shared his perspective on current travel routes, noting that many individuals travelling to Mohali currently opt for the busy single-lane state highway connecting Fatehgarh Sahib to Landran. This route, he added, is known for being accident-prone, underscoring the need for the new highway.
The completion of the Mohali-Sirhind Greenfield Highway represents a crucial step in Punjab’s ongoing efforts to enhance its transportation infrastructure, promising to boost economic activity and improve the quality of life for residents across several districts.
The Chenab Times News Desk