Pinjore-Parwanoo bypass work still on

Panchkula, March 18

Commuters using National Highway 22 are likely to have a harrowing time for another two weeks as finishing of the 10-km Pinjore-Parwanoo bypass is still going on.

A random survey of the bypass, comprising eight bridges and four underpasses, has indicated that the centre medians on road dividers are being installed at various places.

Grills are also being installed at various places on the hilly track near Parwanoo, which will help restrict landslides during the rainy season.

The construction was started two-and-a-half-years ago. The project was supposed to be completed in December last.

The detailed project report prepared 10 years ago had to be revised as many structures had come up on the route, said an official with the construction company on the condition of anonymity.

Following this, new alignment of the road had to be devised, which also contributed to the delay in meeting the deadline, he added.

Once the bypass was thrown open, commuters would no longer be held up in traffic jams for hours at the narrow road passing through Pinjore and Kalka.

While a toll plaza had been set up at Surajpur, near Pinjore, there was also a proposal to instal CCTV cameras at the bypass.

Despite repeated attempts, NHAI Director Anil Dahiya could not be contacted as he did not respond to phone calls.

The trial run at the toll plaza had been started by the staff of the construction company. According to sources, toll would be charged from April 1.

A chart displays toll rates for vehicles.

A view of the toll plaza on the highway. Tribune Photos: Nitin Mittal

A view of the Pinjore-Parwanoo bypass.