The News Freedom
Chandigarh, January 29
The Punjab government has launched a new programme to upgrade major roads and junctions in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, also known as Mohali, aiming to improve urban mobility and ease traffic congestion.
The “Next Generation Road Renovation Programme” will focus on rapid upgradation of key roads in the state’s largest urban centre. The project will be implemented on the model used by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Hybrid Annuity Model, which includes a 10-year maintenance provision.
Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the initiative reflected the state government’s broader push to strengthen road infrastructure and improve connectivity.
He said Mohali was being developed as a modern, world-class city in line with its master plan, and that the new programme would modernise core infrastructure across areas under the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority and the municipal corporation.
According to the minister, key arterial roads and major junctions will be upgraded to improve traffic flow and address congestion. Damaged stretches will be repaired and resurfaced to improve safety and commuting conditions for residents and visitors.
Mundian said the project would also include beautification measures such as landscaping, modern street lighting and enhancement of green cover to improve the city’s overall appearance and environmental quality.
Under the Hybrid Annuity Model, contractors will be responsible for both construction and maintenance of the roads for 10 years. The government will pay 40% of the project cost during construction, with the remaining 60% released as annuity payments over a decade after completion.
The minister said work was scheduled to begin in February and is expected to be completed by October. Around 80 kilometres of roads will be renovated under the programme, with an estimated cost of nearly ₹700 crore.
He added that departments had been instructed to ensure the work is completed on time and that quality standards are strictly maintained.
Senior officials, including Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Vikas Garg, were present at the briefing.