Pathankot-Mandi highway turns into daily gridlock zone

The once-scenic Pathankot-Mandi National Highway has now turned into a nightmare for thousands of tourists, locals and daily commuters. Narrow stretches, frequent jams and rising accidents have made travel on this crucial route a test of patience — and at times, survival.

Long queues of vehicles have become a routine sight at Baijnath, Paprola, Maranda, Nagrota Bagwan, 53 Mile, Mattor and Gaggal. Weekend rush hours choke the road entirely, leaving travellers stranded for hours. Many passengers have even missed flights to Delhi and Chandigarh from Gaggal airport because of traffic snarls. The thin presence of traffic police only adds to the commuters’ woes.

The road’s narrowness has turned deadly. Just a few days ago, two bikers lost their lives near Nagrota Bagwan after being hit by a truck. Similar fatal mishaps have occurred at Paror, Sungal and Maranda. In the past year alone, more than 10 persons have died in separate accidents along this stretch.

Residents and traders across these towns are increasingly frustrated. The constant gridlock has hit local businesses hard, with tourists preferring alternate routes. A senior police officer admitted that although additional constables have been deployed, the force is overwhelmed, especially on weekends when traffic multiplies manifold.

Despite repeated appeals, district authorities appear indifferent. The Government of India had announced the widening of the Pathankot-Mandi highway into a four-lane road long ago, recognising its heavy traffic load. However, the Rs 8,000-crore project remains mired in delays. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been slow in preparing the Detailed Project Report for the crucial 70-km Paror-Padhar stretch, and land acquisition is yet to begin.

For now, the vital artery that connects six districts of Himachal’s lower hills continues to suffocate under growing traffic, poor management and administrative apathy, a highway waiting for rescue.