The project underscores an ongoing effort to modernise transport infrastructure in northern India, improve regional connectivity, and support economic growth.
In a major infrastructure push aimed at easing traffic woes in the rapidly growing Tricity region, the Centre has approved Rs 1,463.95 crore for constructing a new six-lane, access-controlled greenfield highway spur in Punjab. The move is expected to strengthen road connectivity and significantly reduce congestion on key national highways around Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula.
The sanctioned highway corridor will link the Ambala–Chandigarh section of National Highway 205A (NH-205A) with the Zirakpur Bypass, forming a vital segment of the broader Tricity Ring Road project. Officials said this new stretch will serve as a direct route for heavy and long-distance traffic, diverting vehicles away from crowded city roads.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the approval on social media, stating the project is designed to relieve pressure on congested junctions and urban stretches of major highways including NH-44, NH-205A and NH-152.
At present, these routes frequently face severe bottlenecks due to rising vehicular loads and interstate traffic. The greenfield spur is expected to streamline traffic flow and reduce travel time for commuters and freight movement.
Officials highlighted that part of the road will serve as a crucial missing link that had delayed the completion of the larger Tricity Ring Road; a planned network intended to divert inter-state traffic away from interior urban grids. The new corridor is expected to not only benefit daily commuters within the Tricity but also travellers heading towards neighbouring states such as Himachal Pradesh, especially the Shimla region, which draws heavy tourist traffic during peak seasons.
The project underscores an ongoing effort to modernise transport infrastructure in northern India, improve regional connectivity, and support economic growth. By providing a high-speed alternative to congested city roads, the new highway spur aims to enhance passenger convenience, improve freight efficiency and contribute to safer, more orderly traffic movement across the region.
Construction of the spur is expected to begin in the coming months, with further details on timelines and project implementation to be announced by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
