Zirakpur bypass approved: Rs 1,878-crore project to ease tricity traffic woes, boost connectivity in North India
PTC Web Desk: In a landmark decision aimed at transforming the urban traffic landscape of North India, the Union Cabinet has approved the long-awaited six-lane Zirakpur Bypass project. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the clearance on Wednesday during a detailed presentation outlining the Modi government's infrastructure priorities in its third term. The massive road development initiative, which has been on the drawing board for over 11 years, will now finally be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 1,878.31 crore.
The Zirakpur Bypass project is a significant component of the Centre’s larger infrastructure push under the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, which envisions seamless connectivity and integrated infrastructure development across India. The bypass, which spans approximately 19.2 km, will be constructed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), a public-private partnership (PPP) model that ensures efficient execution and maintenance.
The proposed six-lane road will begin from the junction of NH-7 (Zirakpur–Patiala highway) and conclude at the junction of NH-5 (Zirakpur–Parwanoo highway) in Panchkula, Haryana. Strategically located, the bypass will act as a crucial link connecting Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. By diverting heavy vehicular traffic away from urban areas, the project is expected to bring significant relief to commuters travelling across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali—collectively known as the Tricity region.
Vaishnaw said Zirakpur was currently a traffic bottleneck as it sat at the convergence of two critical national highways. “To address this persistent issue, we’ve conceptualised a ring road-like infrastructure that integrates Zirakpur, Chandigarh, and Panchkula. The Zirakpur Bypass is the first step in implementing this vision,” he said.
Modern design with multi-level interchanges
The bypass will incorporate advanced engineering elements, including three-level interchanges at both ends, to facilitate uninterrupted transitions between the intersecting highways. Several vehicular overpasses, underpasses, and culverts are also part of the design blueprint to ensure a signal-free, smooth driving experience. One of the project’s standout features is a direct, signal-free route between the Chandimandir Western Command headquarters and the Chandigarh International Airport.
Once operational, the bypass will decongest the heavily trafficked sections of NH-7, NH-5, and NH-152. This will not only improve travel time but also reduce vehicular pollution and fuel consumption.
Experts believe that the new road will be a game changer for inter-state transportation and logistics. It will offer a more efficient route for vehicles heading towards Patiala, Delhi, Mohali Aerocity, and the hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh. Improved traffic flow and better connectivity are expected to catalyse regional economic development by boosting trade, tourism, and business mobility.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs highlighted that this approval marks a significant milestone in the Central Government’s mission to ease urban congestion and enhance infrastructure in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities. “The Zirakpur Bypass is not just a road project—it is a foundational step towards redefining mobility, cutting delays, and opening avenues for development,” an official statement noted.
- With inputs from agencies
