Zirakpur–Panchkula Bypass Nears Execution: ₹1,878-Crore NHAI Project Likely Awarded in February
After being delayed for more than nine months due to bureaucratic and environmental clearances, the much-awaited Zirakpur– Panchkula bypass has finally moved closer to execution. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will open technical bids for the ₹1,878-crore project on January 29, marking a crucial step toward easing chronic traffic congestion in the Tricity region.
According to the final bid schedule, online bid submissions will close on January 28 at 11 am, with technical bids opening the following day at 11.30 am. Officials confirmed that the project is now firmly on track, with the work expected to be awarded in February to the lowest eligible bidder, ending a prolonged period of uncertainty.
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The primary reason for the delay was the absence of mandatory Stage-2 forest clearance, despite the project having secured approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in April 2025. Bid deadlines had to be extended seven times since June due to pending state-level approvals. The deadlock was resolved after the Punjab Forest Department granted approval, followed by final clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Once completed, the six-lane, 19.2-km bypass —featuring a 6.195-km elevated stretch, flyovers, underpasses, bridges, and a railway overbridge—will divert heavy traffic away from Zirakpur lights, Airport Road, and the Panchkula entry point. The project is a key component of the proposed Tricity Ring Road and is expected to significantly reduce daily travel time.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has stated that the bypass will play a transformative role in decongesting Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, which are under immense pressure due to rapid urban growth. Conceived over a decade ago, the project now promises long-term traffic relief and improved connectivity to Himachal Pradesh, Ambala, and Chandigarh Airport.
