Work on Malan flyover, Nagrota bypass likely to finish in 6 months

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has intensified efforts to construct a 20-km stretch of the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane highway project between Thanpuri and Paror. The Centre approved this ambitious project in January this year.A senior NHAI official told The Tribune that construction of the flyover at Malan and the 7-km Nagrota bypass is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed within the next six months. The road width will range from 35 to 60m, depending on land availability. A service lane has also been proposed alongside the Malan flyover.

The official noted that the Nagrota bypass, once completed, will provide much-needed relief to commuters from traffic congestion in Nagrota Bazaar and the narrow highway stretch near Hatwas. The travel time between Palampur and Gaggal Airport is projected to reduce from one hour to just 35 minutes after the completion of the four-lane road.

Construction on this stretch had been delayed for over a year due to the lack of forest clearance, as a significant portion of forestland was involved. The flyover at Malan will also address a major traffic bottleneck by covering the Pathankot-Joginder Nagar railway track, which previously lacked a bridge at the crossing.

The official added, “Work worth Rs 1,000 crore was awarded to a private construction company. Construction in the first phase, covering the stretch between Pathankot and Rajol, is already underway. Additionally, two twin-tube tunnels bypassing sinking zones and high mountains near Trilokpur have been successfully completed.”

However, progress on the 15-km stretch between Chambi and 53 Miles, passing through Gaggal Airport, remains stalled. The alignment for this section cannot be finalised until the Centre approves the expansion of Gaggal Airport, which is currently pending.

Meanwhile, the NHAI has initiated the process of appointing consultants for the construction of the remaining 60-km stretch between Paror and Padhar. Once the consultant is appointed, preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and land acquisition for this stretch will begin.