The proposed construction of three roundabouts on the 200-foot-wide PR-7 Road, also known as Airport Road, is encountering significant roadblocks, despite its original goal of easing traffic congestion and reducing accidents. The road, which serves as a critical link between Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, and Chandigarh, has long been plagued by heavy traffic flow, with commuters from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab frequently using it.
The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) awarded the project to a private firm in July 2024. However, after several months of planning, Rahul Tiwari, administrative secretary of Punjab's housing and urban development department, expressed concerns about the project's feasibility, citing the road's already heavy traffic. He has urged GMADA to reconsider the decision and review alternative solutions.
In response, GMADA held a meeting with traffic adviser Navdeep Asija to develop a new plan for managing traffic disruptions during the roundabout construction. Earlier, GMADA had consulted the Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre, which proposed the roundabouts at key junctions, including the Sector 68/69/78/79 and Sector 67/68/79/80 intersections, as well as a special junction near Sohana Gurudwara.
The road serves as a crucial route not just for airport-bound traffic, but also for vehicles traveling to other regions, including Zirakpur, Ambala, Delhi, and beyond. As a result, any disruption to this artery would have far-reaching consequences. The ongoing protests at the Shambhu barrier, which have further strained traffic, highlight the challenges faced by commuters.
Concerns also include the potential impact on the underground storm drain network during construction, which could worsen waterlogging in the city. Additionally, the simultaneous construction of multiple roundabouts on nearby roads and ongoing road widening projects could exacerbate the gridlock, officials warn. The winter fog, expected during peak construction periods, could further hinder progress.
Despite these challenges, GMADA remains committed to the project, which was allocated ?11 crore in July 2024, with a completion deadline set for July 2025. However, the project’s future hangs in the balance as authorities reconsider its feasibility amidst mounting logistical and traffic concerns.
