Chandigarh Mayor Proposes New National Highway to Ease Traffic

Mayor Pushes for a New National Highway Corridor In a bold move to tackle the escalating traffic woes in Chandigarh, Mayor **Saurabh Joshi** has reached out to **Prime Minister Narendra Modi** with a detailed proposal. He is advocating for the establishment of the **Chandigarh–Karoran–Tanda–Prempura–Gariran–Paploha–Bar Shalu Khurd–Jangeshu–Kasauli–Dharampur corridor** as a National Highway under the **PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan**. This initiative aims to alleviate the intense congestion that currently plagues the 'City Beautiful'.

Chandigarh serves as a critical transit hub for multiple states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Haryana, and Delhi. Mayor Joshi emphasized the urgent necessity for an alternative high-capacity corridor to relieve the pressure on major routes like Madhya Marg and the Panchkula–Pinjore–Dharampur stretch.

Proposal Details Highlight Efficiency and Safety In his proposal, Joshi pointed out that the new corridor would provide a **shorter and more efficient route** to Himachal Pradesh, which would significantly cut down travel times while also helping to ease congestion on Chandigarh's internal roads. This is particularly crucial during peak tourist seasons when traffic bottlenecks become a common occurrence.

The proposed route, which traverses through the Shivalik foothills and the Kandi belt, is designed to incorporate advanced engineering techniques. These include: - Slope stabilization - Climate-resilient drainage systems - Smart traffic infrastructure

These features aim to enhance both safety and sustainability along the corridor.

Boosting Healthcare and Tourism The Mayor's proposal does not just focus on traffic; it also highlights how the corridor will improve **emergency healthcare access** to institutions like the **Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research**. Faster access during medical emergencies is a critical aspect of this initiative. Moreover, the corridor is expected to facilitate tourism by providing seamless connectivity to popular destinations such as **Kasauli** and **Dharampur**.

Joshi noted that the new route would serve as a reliable alternative during emergencies, like natural disasters or monsoon disruptions, which often hinder travel in the region.

Socio-Economic Benefits on the Horizon The project promises to deliver a host of **socio-economic benefits** to the region. It aims to: - Foster **rural development** - Enhance **market access** - Generate **employment opportunities** - Promote **local enterprises** across **Punjab**, **Haryana**, **Himachal Pradesh**, and **Chandigarh**

Additionally, a segment of the proposed alignment is already recognized as a National Highway in Himachal Pradesh, which strengthens the case for extending this status to the entire corridor.

Urgent Call for Action In his communication with the Prime Minister, Mayor Joshi emphasized the widespread public and political backing for the project. He urged for immediate actions including: - Formal declaration of the corridor as a National Highway - Inclusion under the **PM Gati Shakti** initiative - Expedited preparation of the **Detailed Project Report (DPR)** - Dedicated funding allocation - Timely execution through inter-state coordination

Describing the project as a “strategic growth engine for North India,” Joshi asserted that its prompt implementation would not only aid millions of citizens but also significantly alleviate traffic in Chandigarh, enhance regional connectivity, and foster sustainable development across the northern states.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Chandigarh? As the proposal gains traction, attention will now focus on how quickly the federal government can respond to Mayor Joshi’s requests. If the project moves forward, it could reshape the transportation landscape in northern India, making travel safer and more efficient for everyone. Stakeholders will be watching for: - Updates on government approval - Timelines for project execution - Community engagement efforts in the regions affected by the new corridor

In conclusion, if realized, this ambitious corridor could serve as a transformative step toward improving the transport infrastructure in the region, benefiting both local residents and visitors alike. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.