₹3,167-Crore Chandigarh–Ambala Expressway Project

Chandigarh : The ₹3,167-crore Chandigarh–Ambala Expressway, a major infrastructure project aimed at enhancing road connectivity between Punjab, Haryana, and the national capital region, is in its final stages of completion. According to officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), over 90% of the construction work has been completed, and the expressway is expected to be operational within the next few months.

The ambitious project spans approximately 29 kilometers and is designed to significantly reduce travel time between Chandigarh and Ambala. Once completed, commuters will be able to travel between the two cities in under 20 minutes, compared to the current 45–60 minutes. The expressway is being built with six lanes, service roads, and modern infrastructure features including advanced traffic management systems, CCTV surveillance, and well-designed interchanges to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Officials say the expressway will not only improve connectivity between Chandigarh and Ambala but also act as a key link between northern states such as Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi-NCR. By providing a faster and safer route, it is expected to ease congestion on the existing NH-44, which is currently heavily burdened with daily traffic.

NHAI project director R.K. Sharma said, “This expressway is a major milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. The high-speed corridor will ensure economic benefits by facilitating trade, tourism, and industrial growth while providing a comfortable commuting experience for passengers.”

In addition to its travel benefits, the expressway is also designed with environmental considerations in mind. Green belts are being developed along both sides, and noise barriers are being installed near residential areas to minimize disturbance. LED streetlights, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar-powered lighting at select points are also being incorporated to make the project eco-friendly.

Local businesses and logistics companies are welcoming the development, anticipating reduced transportation costs and faster delivery schedules. “This project will change the logistics landscape in the region. For goods carriers, time is money, and this expressway will help us save both,” said Rajiv Gupta, a transporter from Zirakpur.

However, some residents have raised concerns about land acquisition issues and possible toll charges. Authorities have assured that compensation for acquired land has been given as per government norms and that toll rates will be kept reasonable.

Once operational, the Chandigarh–Ambala Expressway is expected to become a vital component of India’s expanding expressway network, contributing to the government’s vision of improving road infrastructure and boosting economic development.

With finishing touches underway, including final layer paving, signage installation, and landscaping, commuters are looking forward to a faster, safer, and more comfortable travel experience between Chandigarh and Ambala in the near future.