Panchkula: The long-awaited four-laning of the Pinjore-Kalka road is set to take off, with the Haryana public works department (PWD) allotting the Rs 94.87 crore project to a construction agency.The project involves widening a 6.70km stretch from Pinjore Mallah junction to the Parwanoo barrier from two lanes to four. PWD officials said the tender had been allotted to Payal Construction and work would begin shortly.The project is expected to bring relief to thousands of commuters who have been grappling with potholes, uneven stretches and traffic congestion on the busy road.According to the sub-divisional engineer, PWD (B&R), Kalka, administrative approval of Rs 94.87 crore has been received from the state govt for the widening project.Pending the start of the four-laning work, the department has also assured repairs on the battered stretch. Technical officials will inspect the road and undertake pothole filling, maintenance and other temporary repairs wherever required to ensure commuter safety.Vijay Bansal, president of Shivalik Vikas Manch, said the development came after the organisation served a legal notice on the authorities over the condition of the road.“Our legal battle for the dilapidated Pinjore-Kalka road has finally borne fruit with govt approval for four-laning,” Bansal said. He said commuters, students, office-goers and commercial vehicles had been facing difficulties due to deep potholes, damaged stretches and an uneven surface.Bansal alleged that instead of carrying out proper repairs, paver blocks had earlier been placed in potholes, only to come loose within days. He said residents now hoped the four-laning would provide lasting relief from traffic snarls and the poor condition of the road.He, however, said the key issue was how soon work would actually begin and what measures the PWD would take to improve the road in the interim.“We expect the four-laning project to be completed in a time-bound manner. It will ensure smoother traffic and help reduce congestion and accidents on the Pinjore-Kalka route,” he said.
