Elevated highway project set for completion by November-end

The elevated highway project might be completed by the end of November, bringing relief to the city's traffic problems, if everything goes well.

Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) mentioned that another section of the project, extending from Bharat Nagar chowk to Jagraon bridge, was expected to be open for vehicular traffic by the end of October. In contrast, a different part of the project, from Bhai Wala chowk to Octroi towards Ferozpur road terminal, has been operational for a few weeks.

The project, spanning from Samrala Chowk to Cheema Chowk, covering areas like Gill Chowk, Bus Stand, Bharat Nagar Chowk (with a path leading to Durga Mata Temple), and ending at Ferozepur road chungi (Octroi), commenced in 2018. NHAI officials had initially stated that the 12.951-kilometre elevated national highway project would be finished by September 2022.

However, the deadline was pushed to March 2023 and later to July of the same year. Currently, the expected completion date is the end of November. Ashok Rolaniya, NHAI project director, stated that the section of the project towards Jagraon bridge should be completed by the end of October.

Regarding the stretch between Bharat Nagar chowk and Ludhiana bus stand, an NHAI representative mentioned an issue. They had constructed six pathways beneath the highway, but members of the furniture market were requesting an additional pathway.

This unresolved matter caused a delay in this part of the project. Consequently, work on the bus stand might be delayed beyond November due to this singular reason. In the meantime, road safety experts expressed how the project had positively impacted Ludhiana. Previously, it took a considerable amount of time to travel between the octroi and Bhai Wala Chowk.

With a portion of the elevated highway operational, this distance can now be covered in just around six minutes. Moreover, the issue of black spots on the highway has been resolved, contributing to a decrease in air pollution.

Rahul Verma, a member of the Punjab Road Safety Council, emphasized that the project would also simplify access to the airport. He mentioned that the section of the elevated highway leading to Jagraon Bridge would be open to traffic in 45 days, whereas the part towards the bus stand would take more time.