Pathankot-Mandi four-lane work turns daily commute into ordeal for residents

The ongoing construction of the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane highway has become a nightmare for local residents and commuters, particularly on the Ghat Nalu-Rajol stretch. Persistent rainfall in recent days has worsened conditions, turning large portions of the road into muddy swamps where vehicles routinely get stuck, leading to long traffic jams.

Residents allege that the absence of proper drainage systems and temporary diversions has aggravated the crisis. “The road becomes almost unmotorable after every spell of rain. Even ambulances and school buses are struggling to move,” said Pawan Thakur, a resident of Rajol.

Shopkeepers and transport operators along the route also voiced frustration, claiming their business had slumped due to reduced traffic flow and frequent snarls. The four-lane project, meant to enhance connectivity between Pathankot and Mandi, is being executed in phases, but its slow pace and lack of safety measures have triggered public anger.

On Monday, severe waterlogging near Shahpur ITI left two-wheelers stuck in slush, with videos of the ordeal going viral on social media. Though NHAI deployed machinery to restore traffic, locals insist the problem persists. In Shahpur market, half-finished drainage work has added to the woes, with overflowing drains endangering pedestrians and blocking access to shops.

“After digging the drains, the company abandoned the work midway. They are filled with water and we are suffering heavy losses,” said shopkeepers Raghav Bhatia, Deepak Dhiman and Neeraj Mahajan, urging immediate resumption of construction and proper safety measures.

NHAI authorities have assured efforts to expedite work and minimise inconvenience. Until then, however, commuters remain trapped in a cycle of delays, waterlogging and hazardous driving conditions.