The Rs 1,700-crore NHAI outer ring road project in Karnal, featuring a 34.6-km six-lane Greenfield Eastern Bypass and the third phase of the Western Bypass, is 95% complete and expected to provide significant traffic relief by September 2026.
Project Components and Route
The bypass originates from National Highway-44 near Shamgarh village and terminates at the Karnal-Munak Road near Samalkha village. It comprises two major segments: the Greenfield Eastern Bypass from Shamgarh to Bastara Toll Plaza, and the third phase of the Western Bypass from Bastara Toll Plaza to Samalkha village. The corridor passes through over 20 villages, including Dadupur, Jhanjhari, Kurali, Darar, Salaru, Taprana, Danialpur, Newal, Kunjpura, Subri, Chhapra Khera, Sohana, Sheikhpura, Ranwar, Ganjogarhi, Kutail, Unchasamana, Kharkali, Jhinwerheri and Bijna.
Infrastructure and Progress
The project includes six flyovers, one railway overbridge (ROB), two vehicular underpasses, 14 light vehicular underpasses, nine small vehicular underpasses, three major bridges over the Western Yamuna Canal, Augmentation Canal and Indri Escape, and nine minor bridges. Officials report that almost all major structures are finished, though a vehicular underpass near Kutail village and a 1.5-km stretch requiring ramps and connecting roads remain under construction. The NHAI has also submitted a proposal to the Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, seeking approval for land acquisition costs to build service and connecting roads along the Eastern Bypass between Meerut Road and Rasulpur village.
Timeline and Challenges
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone on June 20, 2023. Initially slated for completion by August 2025, the project faced delays due to restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and farmers' agitations. Officials now expect the remaining work to be finished by the end of September 2026.
Impact and Official Statements
Dr. Anand Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Karnal, said, "The construction agency has been asked to complete the work before the deadline. Once completed, this project will provide seamless movement of vehicles around Karnal, reduce travel time, and strengthen the district’s road infrastructure network." Local resident Dushyant Malik welcomed the development, noting that the bypass would significantly reduce traffic pressure on NH-44 within the city and on state highways connecting to the national highway.
