Plan for Roundabouts on Airport Road Faces Hurdles
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Plan for Roundabouts on Airport Road Faces Hurdles

The proposed construction of three roundabouts on the 200-foot-wide PR-7 Road, also known as Airport Road, is encountering significant roadblocks, despite its original goal of easing traffic congestion and reducing accidents. The road, which serves as a critical link between Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, and Chandigarh, has long been plagued by heavy traffic flow, with commuters from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab frequently using it.

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) awarded the project to a private firm in July 2024. However, after several months of planning, Rahul Tiwari, administrative secretary of Punjab's housing and urban development department, expressed concerns about the project's feasibility, citing the road's already heavy traffic. He has urged GMADA to reconsider the decision and review alternative solutions.

In response, GMADA held a meeting with traffic adviser Navdeep Asija to develop a new plan for managing traffic disruptions during the roundabout construction. Earlier, GMADA had consulted the Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre, which proposed the roundabouts at key junctions, including the Sector 68/69/78/79 and Sector 67/68/79/80 intersections, as well as a special junction near Sohana Gurudwara.

The road serves as a crucial route not just for airport-bound traffic, but also for vehicles traveling to other regions, including Zirakpur, Ambala, Delhi, and beyond. As a result, any disruption to this artery would have far-reaching consequences. The ongoing protests at the Shambhu barrier, which have further strained traffic, highlight the challenges faced by commuters.

Concerns also include the potential impact on the underground storm drain network during construction, which could worsen waterlogging in the city. Additionally, the simultaneous construction of multiple roundabouts on nearby roads and ongoing road widening projects could exacerbate the gridlock, officials warn. The winter fog, expected during peak construction periods, could further hinder progress.


Despite these challenges, GMADA remains committed to the project, which was allocated ₹11 crore in July 2024, with a completion deadline set for July 2025. However, the project’s future hangs in the balance as authorities reconsider its feasibility amidst mounting logistical and traffic concerns.

The proposed construction of three roundabouts on the 200-foot-wide PR-7 Road, also known as Airport Road, is encountering significant roadblocks, despite its original goal of easing traffic congestion and reducing accidents. The road, which serves as a critical link between Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, and Chandigarh, has long been plagued by heavy traffic flow, with commuters from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab frequently using it.The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) awarded the project to a private firm in July 2024. However, after several months of planning, Rahul Tiwari, administrative secretary of Punjab's housing and urban development department, expressed concerns about the project's feasibility, citing the road's already heavy traffic. He has urged GMADA to reconsider the decision and review alternative solutions.In response, GMADA held a meeting with traffic adviser Navdeep Asija to develop a new plan for managing traffic disruptions during the roundabout construction. Earlier, GMADA had consulted the Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre, which proposed the roundabouts at key junctions, including the Sector 68/69/78/79 and Sector 67/68/79/80 intersections, as well as a special junction near Sohana Gurudwara.The road serves as a crucial route not just for airport-bound traffic, but also for vehicles traveling to other regions, including Zirakpur, Ambala, Delhi, and beyond. As a result, any disruption to this artery would have far-reaching consequences. The ongoing protests at the Shambhu barrier, which have further strained traffic, highlight the challenges faced by commuters.Concerns also include the potential impact on the underground storm drain network during construction, which could worsen waterlogging in the city. Additionally, the simultaneous construction of multiple roundabouts on nearby roads and ongoing road widening projects could exacerbate the gridlock, officials warn. The winter fog, expected during peak construction periods, could further hinder progress.Despite these challenges, GMADA remains committed to the project, which was allocated ₹11 crore in July 2024, with a completion deadline set for July 2025. However, the project’s future hangs in the balance as authorities reconsider its feasibility amidst mounting logistical and traffic concerns.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

MoRTH to Frame IRC Norms for New-Age Machines in Highway Work

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has decided to formally adopt Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for highway projects, aiming to accelerate execution and ensure timely completion. In line with this, MoRTH announced that the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) will develop new guidelines based on feedback from contractors and concessionaires actively involved in these projects.So far, MoRTH has sanctioned at least 16 highway projects where innovative construction equipment will be deployed. Additionally, the ministry is awaiting Cabinet approval for 10 more ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

SECI Extends Green Ammonia Bid Deadline to 30 June

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has extended the bid deadline for its green ammonia tender to 30 June 2025. The tender was issued under the SIGHT Scheme - Mode 2A, Tranche I, to supply 7.24 lakh tonnes annually to 13 fertiliser plants.As the implementing agency under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, SECI will enter long-term offtake agreements with selected producers, providing 10-year commercial certainty to encourage market development for green hydrogen derivatives. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Launches First Maritime Sector NBFC

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently inaugurated Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), India’s first NBFC dedicated to the maritime sector. Formally registered with the RBI on 19 June 2025, SMFCL evolved from Sagarmala Development Company Limited.It will address financing gaps for ports, MSMEs, startups, and maritime institutions, supporting shipbuilding, renewable energy, cruise tourism, and education. The move aligns with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and aims to catalyse innovation and sustainable logistics growth.Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur emphasis..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?