The Punjab government has intensified efforts to expedite the long-pending four-laning of the Kiratpur-Nangal highway, a critical transport corridor connecting the plains of Punjab with the hills of Himachal Pradesh.
The move is seen as part of a broader agenda to modernise infrastructure, enhance road safety, and build climate-resilient, people-friendly transport networks across northern India. The state’s infrastructure officials convened with representatives from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the state Public Works Department to address persistent delays and roadblocks affecting the highway upgrade. The 31-kilometre stretch has, over the years, acquired notoriety for frequent road fatalities and traffic bottlenecks, earning it a grim reputation as one of the state’s most hazardous routes.
Determined to transform this arterial road into a safer and more efficient thoroughfare, state authorities have now directed a fast-tracked approach to land acquisition, citing it as the primary hurdle impeding progress. Officials have committed to weekly reviews of the project, aiming to hold implementing agencies accountable and ensure that progress remains on schedule. The Kiratpur-Nangal highway is more than just a road—it is a vital economic and social link between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. On any given day, the route witnesses a heavy influx of freight vehicles, agricultural transport, and commuter traffic moving between industrial clusters, tourism zones, and rural hinterlands. Improving its capacity and quality is essential not just to support regional growth, but to reduce emissions, cut travel time, and enhance road safety.
With an eye on inclusive development, state planners have also directed the commencement of two long-pending auxiliary projects—the construction of a service lane connecting Bhartgarh and Bara Pind, and the establishment of a foot overbridge in Sarsa Nangal village. Both interventions are intended to improve pedestrian safety and provide dedicated lanes for localised traffic and non-motorised transport. Experts involved in the project planning confirmed that the expansion will follow a multi-layered strategy that integrates sustainability goals with traditional infrastructure development. The new four-lane design will include proper drainage systems, green buffers, and environmentally considerate construction methods aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of roadworks. The initiative is aligned with the broader national target of achieving zero net carbon emissions from major infrastructure projects by 2070.
At present, patchy road surfaces, inadequate signage, and limited width along this stretch present significant risks for motorists and pedestrians alike. The lack of a continuous service road has also caused safety concerns for residents in adjoining villages, who often find themselves navigating high-speed traffic without safe access routes or crossings. The service lane and pedestrian footbridge are expected to directly benefit communities living on either side of the highway. According to officials, these components will be developed using modular construction techniques that allow for quicker implementation and minimal disruption to traffic.
A senior infrastructure planner associated with the project noted that such road corridors, when designed with sustainability and inclusivity in mind, can drastically improve regional resilience. “Our approach is not just about blacktopping more kilometres. We’re creating lifelines that are safer, greener, and equitable,” the official remarked. From an economic perspective, the Kiratpur-Nangal upgrade is also expected to bolster logistics efficiency and enhance regional trade competitiveness. With Himachal Pradesh being a significant producer of horticulture and a key tourism destination, the improved highway will better integrate its economy with the more industrially developed Punjab region. This could yield downstream benefits such as reduced vehicular emissions from stalled traffic and improved turnaround times for goods and passenger vehicles.
The proposed four-laning project is being executed under the central government’s Bharatmala Pariyojana programme, which aims to expand and modernise high-density corridors across India. Funding mechanisms are expected to include a blend of central grants and long-term infrastructure loans, with partial participation from the state government. Authorities have acknowledged that while road construction often disrupts lives in the short term, especially due to land acquisition and relocation issues, proactive community engagement and equitable compensation mechanisms are being prioritised. Public hearings and local consultations are scheduled over the coming weeks to ensure transparency and responsiveness in the process.
As the Kiratpur-Nangal project gathers momentum, the administration’s focus will be on creating a benchmark for climate-conscious road infrastructure. The project is being closely monitored by central and state agencies not only for its speed of execution but also for its adherence to environmental and social safeguards. With the groundwork now actively underway, residents and commuters along this corridor are hopeful that the transformation of this ‘killer road’ into a safe, sustainable, and modern highway will finally be realised. The road’s expansion will not just pave the way for smoother travel, but also mark a significant milestone in Punjab’s push for equitable and climate-resilient infrastructure development.
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