Chandigarh's Traffic Relief Project Moves Forward with Elevated Corridor Plan
Long-awaited relief for commuters navigating one of the Tricity's most congested corridors is now within sight, as authorities have accelerated plans for a major infrastructure upgrade. The construction of a six-lane elevated road stretching from Poultry Farm Chowk to Zirakpur is scheduled to commence within the current financial year, marking a significant step toward decongesting this vital route.
Ministry Fast-Tracks Signal-Free Corridor Initiative
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is spearheading efforts to transform the entire stretch from Industrial Chowk to the Zirakpur boundary into a signal-free corridor. A senior UT official confirmed that CivilMantra Infracon Private Limited has been appointed as the consultant to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for this crucial initiative.
The proposed elevated corridor targets chronic traffic bottlenecks on NH-05, particularly at notorious junctions including Old Airport Chowk, Hallomajra T-point, and Poultry Farm Chowk. These locations experience severe daily snarls during peak hours, significantly impacting urban mobility for commuters traveling toward Mohali and Zirakpur.
Comprehensive Planning and Technical Assessment Underway
The appointed consultant will conduct a thorough assessment of the existing alignment, exploring bypass options at identified congestion hotspots. Multiple design alternatives will be evaluated, with recommendations based on rigorous techno-economic and feasibility parameters to ensure the most viable solution is implemented.
Officials indicate that tendering for the main project is likely to occur by December 2026, with allotment and construction expected to begin by March 2027. The primary objective is to eliminate all traffic signals along the entire stretch from the Industrial Area flyover up to the Zirakpur border, addressing what authorities describe as one of the city's worst traffic-choked zones.
Strategic Extension to Prevent Congestion Displacement
Authorities have recognized that completing only the Industrial Area flyover would merely push congestion further toward Poultry Farm Chowk, Hallomajra, and Old Airport Chowk. This realization has prompted the strategic decision to extend the elevated corridor all the way to Zirakpur, ensuring comprehensive traffic management rather than localized solutions.
The current plan revisits elements of a 2016 proposal announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for a longer flyover along this NH-05 stretch. That original proposal was later scaled down to a 1.6-km flyover at the Industrial Area due to cost considerations. Under the revived approach, the existing flyover will remain unchanged while new elevated sections are proposed, likely starting after the road-under-bridge near Hallomajra Chowk.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Drives Project Momentum
The project gained significant momentum last year following a MoRTH-convened meeting in Delhi that brought together stakeholders from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). During this crucial gathering, it was agreed that MoRTH's Chandigarh regional office would prepare the DPR to address traffic congestion across this busy corridor, ensuring coordinated efforts across jurisdictional boundaries.
Project Details and Historical Context
The proposed infrastructure includes:
- A 3-km six-lane elevated flyover corridor
- Underpasses at key junctions
- Expansion of service roads
Originally proposed in 2016 as part of a larger plan, the project was temporarily shelved after initial scaling down. It was revived in 2025 following comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders, including Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh authorities, demonstrating renewed commitment to solving the region's traffic challenges.
Legal Considerations and Heritage Concerns
Even as work allotment for the Industrial Area flyover-underpass-rotary project is expected by month's end, legal challenges persist. A petition challenging the construction of the Industrial Area flyover is scheduled for hearing on April 22, representing the second public interest litigation on this matter.
The petition raises technical concerns regarding statutory approvals and potential impacts on Grade 1 heritage elements, including trees and views of the Shivalik hills. These legal proceedings highlight the complex balance between infrastructure development and environmental preservation that authorities must navigate.
This elevated road project represents a comprehensive approach to urban mobility challenges, combining strategic planning, multi-jurisdictional cooperation, and technical innovation to create lasting solutions for Chandigarh's commuters. The anticipated improvements in traffic flow, road safety, and overall transportation efficiency promise to transform daily travel experiences for thousands of residents and visitors alike.
