Clearances done, work on four-lane project begins

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started work on the 18.3-km stretch between Thanpuri and Paror under the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane project. The work was earlier held up for the want of forest and environment clearances and shifting of structures like transmission lines.

The Pathankot-Mandi highway is a strategic road project that will connect Pathankot to Leh and other forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

A senior NHAI officer said after getting necessary clearances, the work was on in full swing. He added that the NHAI had taken up the construction of culverts, small bridges, bye-passes, flyovers besides widening of the 18.3-km stretch.

The NHAI had already paid compensation to the affected parties for land acquisition and had taken the possession of the land. Most buildings on the stretch have already been dismantled. The width of the road will be between 35 to 60 m depending on the land availability.

A 5-km bypass is being constructed in Nagrota Bagwan to avoid the congested market of the town and displacement of the market and human settlements. Besides, a flyover will be constructed at Malan over the Pathankot-Jogindernagar rail line. However, the alignment of a part between Rajol and Kangra will be finalised after the acquisition of land for the airport.

The spokesman said the land had already been acquired on the 20-km stretch. The Centre’s decision to grant environmental clearance had ensured the early completion of the Rs 8,000-crore project, which had been pending since 2017. The project is running far behind the schedule. When the 225-km four-lane project is completed it will cut distance by 35 km.