NH-354’s faulty design risk for commuters

The National Highway 354, which passes directly through the middle of Bhikhiwind town, has become a source of daily misery for residents, rather than providing the relief it was intended to offer. Although the construction of the highway was a much-needed development, meant to improve connectivity to major towns like Amritsar, its poor planning has led to serious issues.

There was a time when travelling from Bhikhiwind-Khemkaran to Amritsar took more than four-and-a-half hours, as the older road, constructed by the state government, was narrow and in poor condition. In response, local residents and commuters had long demanded a four-lane highway to ease the 80-kilometre journey and allow for smooth, high-speed travel.

The highway project was completed around seven years ago, but since then, Bhikhiwind residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the faulty road level through the town. Instead of being elevated above street level, the highway is constructed at or below it in many stretches. This design flaw has resulted in stagnant waste and sewage water accumulating along the Khemkaran-Bhikhiwind stretch, especially after rainfall. Despite constant complaints, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have shown little concern for the genuine grievances of the people.

Another major issue is the non-functional street lighting along the highway, leading to frequent accidents, especially at night. Harjinder Singh, a local trade unionist, said he has approached the NHAI authorities multiple times, but no action has been taken.

The situation has become increasingly frustrating for commuters, as more than a kilometre-long stretch of the highway is affected. In many spots from Bhikhiwind to Khemkaran, there are no proper drainage systems for wastewater or rainwater, as no side drains were constructed during the highway development.

Locals demand urgent intervention from the NHAI to address these critical infrastructure failures that continue to endanger commuters travelling on the national highway.