Panchkula: The long-delayed Pinjore-Baddi-Nalagarh four-lane highway project is set to move forward again, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) awarding the remaining construction work that had remained stalled for over a year, causing hardship to commuters and industries.The 36km highway, running from the end of the Pinjore bypass to Nalagarh via Baddi, is a key connectivity corridor linking Haryana with Himachal Pradesh’s industrial belt. While a major stretch falls in Haryana, the remaining section lies in Himachal Pradesh.Officials said the balance work has been awarded for Rs 378.48 crore and is expected to be completed within two years.The project was originally awarded in April 2022 with a 30-month completion target. However, even a year after the deadline, only about 42% of the work had been completed. Following slow progress, NHAI terminated the contractor’s agreement in Feb 2025 and initiated a fresh tendering process.The process of awarding the remaining work witnessed several delays, with the tender schedule being extended multiple times over the past year.The incomplete highway has caused significant inconvenience to commuters, transporters and industries, particularly those linked to the Baddi-Nalagarh industrial hub. Motorists have had to contend with traffic bottlenecks, damaged road stretches, potholes, dust and frequent congestion, while industries have flagged delays in the movement of raw materials and finished products.“There has been an increased risk of accidents due to the narrow and deteriorating carriageway, especially during the monsoon when waterlogging and potholes worsen driving conditions. School buses, ambulances and daily commuters have frequently been caught in long traffic jams on the route,” said Vijay Bansal, president of Shivalik Vikas Manch.With the fresh contract now awarded, stakeholders are hopeful that construction activity will resume shortly. Once completed, the four-lane highway is expected to improve connectivity between Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, reduce travel time, enhance road safety and provide a boost to trade, industry and tourism in the region.
