Punjab Minister Inaugurates Key Mohali Link Road Project to Alleviate Traffic Pressure
In a major infrastructure development aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, Punjab's Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, officially laid the foundation stone for the Durali–Manauli and Dairri–Chaomajra link road on Wednesday. The ceremony took place at Durali village in Mohali, with local MLA Kulwant Singh in attendance, marking a significant step forward in addressing traffic congestion in the area.
Project Details and Strategic Importance
The newly initiated road project spans a length of 3.66 kilometers and involves a substantial investment of Rs 188.15 lakh (approximately 1.88 crore rupees). This strategic infrastructure upgrade is designed to serve as a vital alternative route to the heavily trafficked Mohali–Chandigarh Road, which has long been a bottleneck for commuters. Upon completion, the link road will not only divert traffic but also establish a new connectivity pathway to the Sector 82 PR-7 road, thereby improving overall accessibility in the region.
Currently, the existing stretch measures a narrow 10 feet in width, which will be expanded to a more robust 18 feet. This widening initiative is expected to facilitate smoother and safer vehicular movement, reducing accidents and travel times for daily commuters and commercial vehicles alike.
Benefits for Local Communities and Government Initiatives
During the foundation-laying event, MLA Kulwant Singh emphasized the project's positive impact on residents of surrounding villages. He highlighted that the road would significantly ease traffic congestion, making daily commuting more efficient and less stressful for the local population. Singh also praised the inclusion of a five-year maintenance guarantee post-completion, describing it as a crucial measure to ensure the infrastructure's quality and long-term durability, thereby preventing rapid deterioration and recurring repair costs.
Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian provided broader context by outlining the Punjab government's extensive road repair and upgradation program. He revealed that the state has embarked on a large-scale initiative to improve approximately 40,103 kilometers of link roads across Punjab. Of this total, the Punjab Mandi Board has been responsible for 22,074 kilometers, with these works nearing completion, while the remaining projects are being executed by the Public Works Department (PWD). This comprehensive effort underscores the government's commitment to enhancing rural and urban connectivity, boosting economic activities, and improving the overall quality of life for Punjab's residents.
The Mohali link road project is a key component of this larger strategy, addressing specific local needs while contributing to the state's broader infrastructure goals. By reducing reliance on the congested Mohali–Chandigarh Road, it is anticipated to lower pollution levels, enhance road safety, and support regional development by facilitating better access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.