219-km HP 4-lane project halted due to lack of environmental clearance

06 Jun 2023 CW Team

Recently, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, Himachal, met with the Union Environment and Forest Minister to discuss the issue. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is yet to receive the necessary clearance.

Previously, the NHAI had granted approval for the construction of the first phase of the project, which spans from Pathankot (Kandwal) to 32 Miles in Kangra district, after receiving clearance from the Environment Ministry in March 2022. The work on this phase is currently in progress. However, no progress has been made on the remaining four phases, which cover a distance of 185 km. The state government has already provided compensation to 90% of the affected individuals for land acquisition between Pathankot and Palampur. Global bids for the second phase were released by the NHAI last year, and a Gurugram-based company was awarded the construction work. As the construction is planned on forest land as well, the work cannot commence without a no-objection certificate from the Centre and the HP Government.

This project holds strategic importance as it connects Pathankot to Leh, Ladakh, and other forward areas. Taking defence requirements into account, the Centre aims to expedite its completion.

The organisation is committed to minimising hill cutting, preventing environmental degradation, and avoiding inconvenience and displacement of people residing along the highway. Upon the completion of the four-lane road, the distance between Pathankot and Mandi will be reduced from 219 km to 171 km.

Also read:
Rs 480 mn national highway projects inaugurated in Vadodara
Govt allows E-bank guarantees for Highway, Ropeway contracts

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The completion of the Pathankot-Mandi road-widening project, a crucial 219-km route connecting Pathankot to Leh, has been delayed by more than three years due to a lack of environmental clearance. Although work on the first phase is underway, the remaining four phases are at a standstill due to the absence of green clearance. Recently, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, Himachal, met with the Union Environment and Forest Minister to discuss the issue. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is yet to receive the necessary clearance. Previously, the NHAI had granted approval for the construction of the first phase of the project, which spans from Pathankot (Kandwal) to 32 Miles in Kangra district, after receiving clearance from the Environment Ministry in March 2022. The work on this phase is currently in progress. However, no progress has been made on the remaining four phases, which cover a distance of 185 km. The state government has already provided compensation to 90% of the affected individuals for land acquisition between Pathankot and Palampur. Global bids for the second phase were released by the NHAI last year, and a Gurugram-based company was awarded the construction work. As the construction is planned on forest land as well, the work cannot commence without a no-objection certificate from the Centre and the HP Government. This project holds strategic importance as it connects Pathankot to Leh, Ladakh, and other forward areas. Taking defence requirements into account, the Centre aims to expedite its completion. The organisation is committed to minimising hill cutting, preventing environmental degradation, and avoiding inconvenience and displacement of people residing along the highway. Upon the completion of the four-lane road, the distance between Pathankot and Mandi will be reduced from 219 km to 171 km. Also read: Rs 480 mn national highway projects inaugurated in Vadodara Govt allows E-bank guarantees for Highway, Ropeway contracts

Resources

26 Jun 2026

G R Infraprojects Founder Vinod Agarwal Passes Away

Vinod Kumar Agarwal, Founder and Promoter of G R Infraprojects, has passed away. He had been associated with the company since its inception in 1995. His vision, determination and entrepreneurial acumen laid the foundation for the company and helped shape its growth into a leading name in India’s infrastructure sector.Agarwal served as Managing Director from 2008 to 2021 and later as Chairman and Whole-time Director from 2021 to 2025. He stepped down from the office of Director on 10 November 2025. During his leadership tenure, the company moved through significant phases of growth, operatio..

Infrastructure Energy

25 Jun 2026

Centre Prioritising Energy Security With Coal Gasification

Union minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the Centre is prioritising energy security through a strategic shift to coal gasification and has announced incentives totalling Rs 460 billion (bn) to support the effort. He said more than 35 companies will start coal gasification activities in India within two months and that the government is encouraging firms that bring technology to close the domestic technology gap. The minister described the initiative as aimed at reducing import dependence and developing indigenous capacity. India has the fifth-largest coal reserve in the world, and..

Infrastructure Urban

25 Jun 2026

BHEL and Coal India Invest Rs 250 bn in Odisha Gasification

Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and Coal India (CIL) are jointly investing Rs 250 billion in a coal gasification project in Odisha, with the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone in Jharsuguda. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy described the initiative as a transformative shift in coal utilisation that will open industrial avenues for the state. The project moves coal beyond conventional power generation to industrial feedstocks. Coal gasification will convert coal into synthesis gas, a versatile feedstock for chemicals, fertilisers and synthetic fuels, and the technology is ex..