Mohali: The long-delayed alternate road linking Mohali with Chandigarh International Airport has missed yet another completion deadline, with shortages of bitumen and iron stalling work on the remaining stretch of the project.The 8.5km dual-carriageway corridor, being developed by Gmada, was slated for completion by June 30. While one carriageway has already been opened to traffic, the project remains incomplete as construction of a parallel bridge over a seasonal N-choe and surfacing work on the second carriageway await material supplies.Gmada officials said disruptions in the availability of bitumen and iron have slowed construction, preventing the dual carriageway from becoming fully operational. Nearly 95% of the project has been completed, with the remaining work largely confined to bridge structures and the final bitumen layer on parts of the road.The alternate route, running parallel to the existing Airport Road from near Bawa White House in Phase XI, is expected to ease traffic pressure on one of the region’s busiest corridors.Mohali deputy commissioner Komal Mittal, who recently reviewed the project, said Gmada had informed the administration about the material shortage affecting construction of the second bridge.Gmada chief engineer Ajay Garg said the supply situation was improving and work would be completed once regular availability of materials resumes. He added that one carriageway was opened after safety trials to provide relief to commuters and meet immediate traffic requirements.The project has now missed three successive deadlines — April 30, May 30 and June 30. Earlier delays were also attributed to slow execution and difficulties in bridge construction due to continuous water flow in the seasonal drain, prompting Gmada to penalise the contractor.Once completed, the alternate airport road is expected to significantly decongest the existing Airport Road and improve connectivity between Mohali and the airport.
