Pathankot-Mandi four-lane project report nears completion
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of a 60-km stretch of the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane project between Palampur and Padhar is in its final stage and is expected to be completed within the next 90 days.
According to official sources, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had appointed a consultant to prepare the DPR for this strategically significant road that connects Pathankot with Leh-Ladakh. In a major policy shift, the NHAI has now reduced the timeline for DPR completion from eight months to a year down to 90 days. A similar timeframe has been set for land acquisition and compensation distribution, ensuring the project progresses on schedule.
The widening of the Palampur-Padhar stretch has been stalled for four years due to the absence of a DPR, preventing NHAI from acquiring land for the project. The Tribune had previously highlighted this issue, emphasising the urgent need for progress. Meanwhile, construction on the remaining sections—Pathankot to Palampur and Padhar to Bijni—is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed within a year.
The NHAI has issued a strict directive prohibiting the sale or purchase of land along the proposed alignment. Any individual found attempting to buy land in hopes of claiming compensation will be ineligible for it and may face legal action.
The 219-km Pathankot-Mandi four-lane highway is a crucial infrastructure project, enhancing connectivity to key defence areas. Once completed, the road will reduce the distance between Pathankot and Mandi from 219 km to 171 km. Special efforts have been made to minimise hill cutting, environmental degradation and disruptions to local residents and businesses.In some sections, the road width has been adjusted accordingly.
Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had earlier laid the foundation stone for the first 40-km stretch from Pathankot. The government is prioritising the project’s early completion due to its strategic significance.
