NHAI Revives Ludhiana Outer Ring Road Project After Three-Year Stalemate
In a major development for regional infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially resumed construction on a pivotal section of Ludhiana's outer ring road. This project, which had been stalled for over three years due to protracted land acquisition challenges, is now back in motion, with an ambitious target to transform the district's traffic network by the end of 2026.
Key Segment Restarts with Government Approval
Work has recommenced on Package 1 of the Ludhiana-Rupnagar Green Field Highway, a critical 37.7-kilometer stretch connecting Ghumnewal to Bonkar near Cycle Valley. Originally awarded in December 2021, the project faced significant delays, achieving only 16% completion before halting due to incomplete land possession by NHAI.
An NHAI official confirmed that construction activities resumed in the second week of February 2025. A crucial factor enabling this restart was a recent state government approval, granted approximately two weeks prior, permitting desilting from the Sutlej River to supply essential construction materials. The project is now slated for completion by December 2026, with an estimated cost of Rs 951 crore.
Progress on Additional Highway Packages
Simultaneously, Package 2 of the Ludhiana-Bathinda project is advancing steadily. This 45.2-kilometer segment, beginning at Ballowal and linking to the Amritsar-Bathinda-Jamnagar corridor, is currently 15% to 20% complete, with ongoing work concentrated near Raikot. Although construction is proceeding in patches, officials anticipate this package will be finalized by September 2026.
Furthermore, a second significant project near Halwara Airport is already underway and is expected to be completed next year, adding to the district's enhanced logistical framework.
Challenges Persist with Southern Bypass
Despite these advancements, the 25.2-kilometer Southern Ludhiana Bypass remains in a state of uncertainty. This bypass, extending from Rajgarh village in Doraha to Ballowal near Raikot, is a vital component of the outer ring road network.
Contractual requirements mandate that NHAI secure 80% land possession before commencement, but only 60% has been acquired so far. Sources indicate that compensation payments to several farmers are still pending. Once the 80% threshold is achieved and work initiates, the project will follow a two-year construction timeline.
Local Demand for Expedited Completion
Residents of Ludhiana are urging authorities to accelerate these infrastructure projects to address persistent traffic congestion. Kuldeep Singh, a local resident, highlighted the necessity of these highways for reducing travel durations, lowering fuel expenses, and mitigating air pollution. "Such projects must be completed on time to benefit the public, while ensuring land owners receive fair and decent compensation," Singh emphasized.
The resumption of work marks a significant step forward in improving regional connectivity and alleviating urban traffic burdens, with a clear focus on timely execution and equitable stakeholder treatment.
