In a significant development for Ludhiana and surrounding areas, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is set to begin work on at least two of the four major highway projects in the district by March 2025. Initially, concerns over land-related issues had put these projects at risk, but recent progress has revived optimism.

The four projects include the 37.7-kilometre Ludhiana-Rupnagar-Green Field Highway, which spans from Ghumnewal to Bonkar near Cycle Valley, and the 47.2-kilometre Ludhiana-Rupnagar-Green Field Highway, extending to Roopnagar and Doraha. Additionally, the Southern Ludhiana Bypass (25.24 km) and the Ludhiana-Bhatinda-Green Field Highway (33 km) are also in the pipeline.

According to NHAI officials, possession of land for the Ludhiana-Rupnagar Green Field Highway (Package One) is 100% complete, with work expected to begin by March. However, compensation issues with the contractor have delayed the start of the Southern Ludhiana Bypass project, with ongoing arbitration regarding land acquisition rates for the second highway project.

For the Southern Ludhiana Bypass, NHAI has secured 21.6 kilometres of the required 25.2 kilometres of land. However, disputes remain over compensation rates in certain villages, and some landowners are demanding significantly higher compensation than what NHAI has offered.

Meanwhile, the Ludhiana-Bhatinda Green Field Highway (Package Two) is facing fewer land-related hurdles, with 29.4 kilometres already in possession, and work is expected to begin in March as well.

Local authorities are optimistic about the project’s timeline, with Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal confirming that land for the majority of the projects has been transferred to NHAI. He emphasized that work would begin this year, with the completion of land acquisition being key to the project's progress.

Residents and industrialists alike are hopeful that these highways will improve mobility and reduce congestion, though some landowners have expressed concerns over compensation. Industrialist Ranjodh Singh pointed out that while road infrastructure is vital, fair compensation is crucial for affected landowners who face the dual impact of losing their land and livelihood.

These infrastructure projects are expected to boost transportation efficiency in Ludhiana, ease traffic congestion, and improve connectivity between important regions, benefiting both local residents and businesses.