Construction of underpass on NH-44 picks up pace

The construction of a six-lane vehicular underpass near Kambopura village on National Highway-44 has picked up pace and is likely to be completed by March. Once operational, the underpass will help reduce traffic congestion and enhance road safety for commuters. It is also expected to bring down the number of road accidents in the area, which have been a major concern due to pedestrians crossing the highway by jumping dividers or vehicles driving on the wrong side to avoid long detours.

The foundation stone for the project was laid on March 7, 2024, by former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar from Chandigarh. The underpass is being constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore. The original deadline for the project is by March 2025.

“The work is going on with full speed and will be completed by the deadline,” said an official of the NHAI.

Residents of Kambopura, Bajida, Daha, Madanpur and nearby villages, as well as those from Karnal city, were demanding the underpass for years. They repeatedly raised the issue at various platforms, citing the risk involved in crossing the highway. The absence of a safe crossing has resulted in several accidents over the years.

“There are two religious places in the area, and devotees often have to either jump the dividers or travel extra kilometres to find a safe crossing. Many even opt wrong-side driving, which increases the risk of accidents,” said Suresh Kumar, a resident.

At present, commuters from villages such as Bazida, Sirsi, Bhusli and Daha who wish to travel towards Delhi have either to go towards grain market side for a U-turn or drive on the wrong side towards the Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban, putting lives in danger.

“We have been raising the issue ever since the Panipat-Jalandhar highway widening project began in 2009. It took years of demands to get the underpass constructed,” said Yashbir Kumar, another resident.

Recently, Gharaunda MLA and Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan reviewed the project’s progress and directed officials to ensure its timely completion.