Alternate airport road opens partially; full stretch in 10 days

Mohali: In a partial relief to commuters, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) Sunday opened one carriageway of the alternate road to Chandigarh International Airport, with the full dual carriageway expected to be operational within the next 10 days.The 8.5-km alternate road, running parallel to the existing Airport Road and originating near Bawa White House in Phase XI, was opened after trial runs on the newly constructed stretch.Gmada chief engineer Ajay Garg said completion of the project now hinges on the second bridge over a seasonal rivulet. “The bridge will be ready within 10 days, after which the dual carriageway will be fully operational. To meet the May 30 deadline, one side was opened after necessary trials,” he said.The project had earlier missed its April 30 deadline, prompting Gmada to penalise the contractor for delays. Officials said about 95% of the work has been completed so far.Once fully operational, the alternate corridor is expected to significantly decongest the existing Airport Road, one of the busiest stretches in the region.However, some critical works remain pending, including bitumen laying on portions of the road and completion of key structures such as a double-lane under-railway bridge and another bridge over the N-Choe. Officials cited continuous water flow in the seasonal drain as a major challenge that slowed bridge construction.Despite the delays, Gmada officials said the project will improve connectivity between Mohali and the airport and divert substantial traffic, leading to reduced travel time and smoother flow.Deputy commissioner Komal Mittal stressed timely completion of the remaining work, saying the decongestion plan must deliver visible relief to commuters and meet public expectations.