Plan for Roundabouts on Airport Road Faces Hurdles

28 Nov 2024 CW Team

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) awarded the project to a private firm in July 2024. However, after several months of planning, Rahul Tiwari, administrative secretary of Punjab's housing and urban development department, expressed concerns about the project's feasibility, citing the road's already heavy traffic. He has urged GMADA to reconsider the decision and review alternative solutions.

In response, GMADA held a meeting with traffic adviser Navdeep Asija to develop a new plan for managing traffic disruptions during the roundabout construction. Earlier, GMADA had consulted the Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre, which proposed the roundabouts at key junctions, including the Sector 68/69/78/79 and Sector 67/68/79/80 intersections, as well as a special junction near Sohana Gurudwara.

The road serves as a crucial route not just for airport-bound traffic, but also for vehicles traveling to other regions, including Zirakpur, Ambala, Delhi, and beyond. As a result, any disruption to this artery would have far-reaching consequences. The ongoing protests at the Shambhu barrier, which have further strained traffic, highlight the challenges faced by commuters.

Concerns also include the potential impact on the underground storm drain network during construction, which could worsen waterlogging in the city. Additionally, the simultaneous construction of multiple roundabouts on nearby roads and ongoing road widening projects could exacerbate the gridlock, officials warn. The winter fog, expected during peak construction periods, could further hinder progress.

Despite these challenges, GMADA remains committed to the project, which was allocated ₹11 crore in July 2024, with a completion deadline set for July 2025. However, the project’s future hangs in the balance as authorities reconsider its feasibility amidst mounting logistical and traffic concerns.

The proposed construction of three roundabouts on the 200-foot-wide PR-7 Road, also known as Airport Road, is encountering significant roadblocks, despite its original goal of easing traffic congestion and reducing accidents. The road, which serves as a critical link between Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali, and Chandigarh, has long been plagued by heavy traffic flow, with commuters from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab frequently using it.The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) awarded the project to a private firm in July 2024. However, after several months of planning, Rahul Tiwari, administrative secretary of Punjab's housing and urban development department, expressed concerns about the project's feasibility, citing the road's already heavy traffic. He has urged GMADA to reconsider the decision and review alternative solutions.In response, GMADA held a meeting with traffic adviser Navdeep Asija to develop a new plan for managing traffic disruptions during the roundabout construction. Earlier, GMADA had consulted the Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre, which proposed the roundabouts at key junctions, including the Sector 68/69/78/79 and Sector 67/68/79/80 intersections, as well as a special junction near Sohana Gurudwara.The road serves as a crucial route not just for airport-bound traffic, but also for vehicles traveling to other regions, including Zirakpur, Ambala, Delhi, and beyond. As a result, any disruption to this artery would have far-reaching consequences. The ongoing protests at the Shambhu barrier, which have further strained traffic, highlight the challenges faced by commuters.Concerns also include the potential impact on the underground storm drain network during construction, which could worsen waterlogging in the city. Additionally, the simultaneous construction of multiple roundabouts on nearby roads and ongoing road widening projects could exacerbate the gridlock, officials warn. The winter fog, expected during peak construction periods, could further hinder progress.Despite these challenges, GMADA remains committed to the project, which was allocated ₹11 crore in July 2024, with a completion deadline set for July 2025. However, the project’s future hangs in the balance as authorities reconsider its feasibility amidst mounting logistical and traffic concerns.

Infrastructure Transport

28 Oct 2025

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

Real Estate

28 Oct 2025

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..

Infrastructure Urban

28 Oct 2025

Driving Infrastructure Forward with Trustworthy AI

At its Year in Infrastructure 2025 conference in Amsterdam, Bentley Systems reaffirmed its vision for trustworthy AI and connected digital ecosystems shaping the future of infrastructure engineering. The company unveiled AI-powered design applications and Bentley Infrastructure Cloud Connect, a unifying platform connecting data, workflows and professionals across the project lifecycle.“AI is poised to transform infrastructure,” said Nicholas Cumins, CEO, Bentley Systems. “At Bentley, our vision is for AI to empower engineers – not replace them. Trustworthy AI, built on infrastruct..