Crackdown spurs revival of stalled Pathankot–Mandi four-lane project

The prolonged inaction of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the sluggish performance of a local construction firm in completing the Kandwal–Bherkhud section (Package-1) of the Pathankot–Mandi four-lane highway has reached a tipping point. Mounting public frustration finally pushed the Mumbai-based parent contractor, IRB Infrastructure Developers Private Ltd., to wrest back control from the local sub-contractor and resume work.

For months, resentment had been brewing among residents and traders lining the 28-km stretch. The original deadline had long passed, yet the road remained in a hazardous, incomplete state. The situation worsened after NHAI slapped IRB with a heavy financial penalty for the delay. The penalty, and growing local anger, prompted IRB to act decisively, ending its contract with the local builders and reclaiming direct oversight of the work.

The construction standstill, now over a month old, stemmed from disputes between the parent company and the sub-contractor. This stalemate has been costly — not only in terms of project schedules but also in human lives. The section between Kandwal and Jassur has become an accident-prone zone, with multiple serious and fatal crashes over the past two years. Potholes, uneven surfaces and a lack of proper signage have left daily commuters vulnerable, forcing them to navigate dangerous stretches that should have been upgraded long ago.

Initially slated for completion by May 2024, the highway’s deadline was extended to December 2025. Yet, even this revised target now appears unrealistic. While certain stretches—such as Kandwal to Pucca Tiyala and areas like Raja ka Bagh, Jachh, Bagni, Nagni, Bhadwar, Khazian, and Jounta — are largely complete, key components remain unfinished.

The most glaring delay is at Jassur, where a 900-metre elevated flyover with 31 pillars has been under construction since 2022. The bridge was meant to be operational by May 2024 but remains an unfinished skeleton, slowing traffic and suffocating local commerce. Traders complain of dwindling sales as congestion and dust deter customers. Residents call it an “eyesore” and a daily reminder of official apathy.

The Jassur flyover is not the only obstacle. Nurpur’s bypass and a few unpaved stretches are still pending. The lack of coordination between agencies has further dragged the process, deepening public distrust. Locals say the project’s piecemeal progress mocks the promise of a smooth, safe four-lane connection.

Vikas Surajewala, Project Director, NHAI, declined to comment. However, Harpreet Singh, IRB’s newly appointed Chief General Manager, assured that stalled work on Package-1 would resume within a week. He promised the company would expedite construction “on a war footing” as soon as the monsoon ends.

For residents, traders and commuters, the coming months will reveal whether this renewed push marks a genuine turnaround—or just another chapter in a saga of delays.