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

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

Infrastructure Urban

07 May 2026

AIDO Showcases Door Systems At Aluminium Expo

AIDO, an endorsed brand of dormakaba, marked its participation at Aluminium Expo 2026, held from 1–3 May at Calicut Trade Centre, Calicut. Organised by the Aluminium Dealer Forum, the event saw AIDO showcase its SLYNK Profiled Door System and advanced Digital Door Lock range. The SLYNK Profiled Door System is designed for seamless spatial transitions, minimal aesthetics, smooth operation and optimised space use. It supports wooden doors, framed glass doors and frameless glass doors, with configurations including invisible sliding, pocket sliding, telescopic sliding, synchro sliding and singl..

Infrastructure Urban

07 May 2026

KSB Reports Stable Q1 FY26 Performance

KSB reported stable performance for Q1 FY26, with sales of Rs 6.01 billion compared to Rs 5.95 billion in Q1 FY25. The company recorded other income of Rs 140 million, expenses of Rs 5.65 billion and profit before tax of Rs 50 crore during the quarter. The company secured major orders across key sectors, including a gas separation unit export project in Kazakhstan, NTPC’s Nabinagar and Gadarwara 800 MW power plants, and an IOCL project in Gujarat. It also completed the dispatch of 11 pumps for the Kudankulam Nuclear Project. KSB received Delhi Metro Rail Corporation approval for HVAC pumps, ..

Infrastructure Urban

07 May 2026

Truflo Earns Workplace Certification Again

Truflo by Hindware has been certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth consecutive year by the Great Place to Work Institute. The recognition highlights the company’s continued focus on people-first growth, workplace culture and employee engagement. The certification evaluates organisations on employee experience, organisational culture, leadership and HR practices. Truflo said the recognition reflects its efforts to create an inclusive and empowering work environment where employees can collaborate, grow and perform effectively. Over the past year, the company has invested in learning..