Cleared at Last: Pinjore–Baddi–Nalagarh Highway Project Set to Move Forward
A long-delayed highway project that is vital for the industrial lifeline of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana has finally shown signs of progress. The executive committee of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved ₹598 crore to complete the remaining work on the four-laning of the Pinjore–Baddi–Nalagarh national highway, raising fresh hopes that construction activity will resume soon.
The project had run into serious trouble last year when Gujarat-based Patel Infrastructure Limited pulled out in June 2025 after completing just 45 per cent of the work over nearly three and a half years. The company cited multiple obstacles, including prolonged land acquisition issues and delays in shifting high-tension electricity lines and gas pipelines. Even before its exit, the slow pace of construction had made it clear that the project was unlikely to meet its extended August deadline.
Although the NHAI initiated the re-tendering process in September 2025, progress remained stuck due to procedural delays. The absence of necessary approvals meant that bids could not be invited for almost eight months, leaving the future of the crucial highway uncertain.
Providing a much-needed breakthrough, Project Director Anand Dahiya confirmed that the NHAI’s executive committee approved the balance work during its April 17 meeting. The proposal is now awaiting final clearance from the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. Officials said fresh tenders are likely to be issued by the end of this month, with the contract award process expected to take around three months. Once work restarts, completing the remaining stretch could take up to two years.
The 36-kilometre highway, with about 17.37 km falling in Himachal Pradesh and the rest in Haryana, is a key route for one of the region’s busiest industrial corridors. The upgraded road is planned with 104 culverts, 16 minor bridges and five major bridges, several of which—along with flyovers—are already at an advanced stage of construction.
Until the project is completed, commuters and industrial units continue to bear the brunt of poor road conditions. With more than 20,000 vehicles using the stretch every day, congestion and delays have become routine, affecting logistics and productivity. The latest approval has therefore been greeted as a crucial step towards easing daily travel woes and strengthening connectivity for the industrial belt.
