The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) provided partial relief to commuters on Sunday by opening one carriageway of the alternate road leading to Chandigarh International Airport. The full dual carriageway is anticipated to become operational within the next 10 days.
Project Details
The 8.5-kilometer alternate road runs parallel to the existing Airport Road and originates near Bawa White House in Phase XI. It was opened after successful trial runs on the newly constructed stretch.
Gmada chief engineer Ajay Garg stated that the project's completion now depends on the second bridge over a seasonal rivulet. "The bridge will be ready within 10 days, after which the dual carriageway will be fully operational. To meet the May 30 deadline, one side was opened after necessary trials," he explained.
Delays and Penalties
The project had previously missed its April 30 deadline, leading Gmada to impose penalties on the contractor for delays. Officials reported that approximately 95% of the work has been completed so far.
Expected Benefits
Once fully operational, the alternate corridor is expected to significantly decongest the existing Airport Road, one of the busiest stretches in the region. It will improve connectivity between Mohali and the airport, divert substantial traffic, and lead to reduced travel time and smoother flow.
Remaining Works
Some critical works remain pending, including bitumen laying on portions of the road and completion of key structures such as a double-lane under-railway bridge and another bridge over the N-Choe. Officials cited continuous water flow in the seasonal drain as a major challenge that slowed bridge construction.
Deputy commissioner Komal Mittal stressed the timely completion of the remaining work, emphasizing that the decongestion plan must deliver visible relief to commuters and meet public expectations.
