Hope rises: Work on Jassur flyover picks up pace after long delay

The construction of the elevated flyover at Jassur, part of the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane project, has finally regained momentum after remaining stalled for over four months. The structure, originally slated for completion in May 2024, had become an eyesore for traders and residents of Jassur, an important wholesale hub, due to slow progress and deteriorating road conditions. With piers standing in front of shops and the existing highway stretch suffering from poor upkeep, public frustration had been mounting.

Phase one of the Kandwal-Bherkhud (28.7 km) stretch had been awarded to Mumbai-based IRB Infrastructure Developers Pvt Ltd, which subsequently sublet the work to a Punjab-based contractor. The prolonged delay led to a dispute between the parent company and the local builder, following which IRB engaged Bharat Construction in August this year to take over the four-lane and flyover works.

The new company resumed operations on October 1, once the monsoon ended, and construction has since picked up substantially. The renewed activity has brought relief and renewed hope to commuters, traders and local residents who have endured long delays and traffic disruption in the Nurpur region.

According to official sources in IRB, work on both the flyover and the highway stretch is now progressing on a “war footing”. The Jassur flyover is expected to be completed by May next year, while the 7-km stretch from Kandwal to Jassur is targeted to open by the end of December. “Installation of I-girders and laying of deck slabs is in full swing. Ten out of the total 30 spans have already been completed within 40 days. Bitumen concrete work on the highway stretch is also progressing steadily,” sources said.

As many as 766 structures, including houses and shops, have been acquired by the NHAI for widening the road from Kandwal to Jassur. The 900-m flyover, built on 30 pillars, was launched three years ago and was initially scheduled for completion in May 2024. It is now slated for delivery next year, marking a two-year delay.