Ambala Chandigarh Expressway Nears Completion: Faster Travel Between Delhi and Punjab

Travel between Delhi and Punjab is set to become faster, safer, and more convenient with the near completion of the Ambala Chandigarh Expressway. This high-speed corridor, part of India’s ambitious infrastructure expansion under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, promises to reduce travel time by 30–40% and improve connectivity between major northern cities. For daily commuters, transporters, and tourists alike, the project is a game-changer.

Project Overview: Transforming Northern India’s Connectivity

The Ambala Chandigarh Expressway spans 61.23 kilometers and covers approximately 395 hectares. Designed as a modern, access-controlled corridor, it will link Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

The project is divided into two main packages:

• Package-2 (Mohali Kurali bypass): This 31.23 km stretch runs from IT City Chowk, Mohali, to Kurali on the Kurali-Siswan road. Nearly complete, it is expected to open by November 2025.
• Package-1: Extending 30 km from Devinagar on the Ambala-Hisar road to IT City Chowk, this section is around 65% complete, with a target completion date of March 2026.

Once operational, the expressway will significantly reduce congestion on existing highways, including Mohali’s busy Airport Road, and provide a direct high-speed route to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

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Features of the Corridor

The Ambala Chandigarh Expressway has been designed for modern, high-speed travel with safety and efficiency in mind:

• Six-lane expressway: Built to handle heavy traffic and ensure smooth movement for commuters and freight transport.
• Access-controlled design: Minimizes interruptions and enhances road safety by reducing intersections.
• Advanced infrastructure: Includes flyovers, underpasses, bridges, and service roads to prevent bottlenecks.
• High embankments: Ensure uninterrupted travel during adverse weather conditions.
• Spur roads and extended connectivity: A spur road connects Lalru, while the four-lane section in Punjab extends regional access.

These features make the corridor a significant upgrade to northern India’s road network.

Benefits for Commuters and Businesses

The Mohali Kurali bypass and the larger Ambala Chandigarh Expressway offer multiple advantages:

• Reduced travel time: Bypasses towns like Mohali, Kharar, and Kurali, making long-distance commuting faster.
• Safer travel: Controlled access and fewer intersections reduce the risk of accidents.
• Enhanced connectivity: Links key cities efficiently, facilitating movement for both personal and commercial travel.
• Economic growth: Improved transportation can boost trade, logistics, and real estate along the corridor.
• Less congestion: Relieves traffic pressure on existing highways and urban roads.

For logistics companies and businesses in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, this corridor will streamline operations and reduce transit delays.

Strategic Importance

The Ambala Chandigarh Expressway is a cornerstone in northern India’s infrastructure development. It complements other major highways connecting Delhi with Chandigarh, Ambala, and the surrounding regions.

Strategically, it:

• Connects with significant projects like the Zirakpur bypass, Pinjore-Baddi-Nalagarh road, and Siswan highway.
• Supports trade, tourism, and daily commuting by providing a high-speed alternative to congested roads.
• Stimulates regional real estate and urban development, particularly in areas like IT City Mohali, New Chandigarh, Kharar, and Kurali.

Construction Details and Timeline

The corridor is being executed in two major packages:

• Package-2 (Mohali Kurali bypass):
• 31.23 km six-lane stretch from IT City Chowk to Kurali.
• Cost: ₹1,525.3 crore.
• Expected completion: November 2025.
• Includes flyovers, bridges, and underpasses for seamless traffic flow.
  
  
• Package-1:
• 30 km from Devinagar to IT City Chowk, covering 18 hectares and 43.42 km of service roads.
• Cost: ₹1,641.66 crore.
• Features: 7 vehicular underpasses (VUPs), 1 vehicular overpass (VOP), 10 large underpasses (LVUPs), 2 small underpasses (SVUPs), 7 flyovers, 2 major bridges, and 6 minor bridges.
• Expected completion: March 2026.

Construction faced challenges, including land acquisition delays due to compensation disputes. NHAI increased payments from Rs 2.4 million to Rs 41.8 million per acre in affected areas, ensuring smooth progress. A Maharashtra-based contractor was awarded the project in October 2022, and work has since resumed steadily.

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Real Estate and Economic Impact

The Mohali Kurali bypass and the Ambala Chandigarh Expressway are already influencing the regional property market:

• Areas such as IT City Mohali, New Chandigarh, Kharar, and Kurali are likely to see property appreciation of 15–25%.
• Improved connectivity to airports and industrial hubs enhances both residential and commercial property demand.
• The corridor will drive regional economic growth by facilitating trade, logistics, and tourism.

In the long term, the expressway is expected to boost employment, infrastructure investment, and urban development along its route.

Looking Ahead: 

Once fully operational, the Ambala Chandigarh Expressway and Mohali Kurali bypass will redefine travel across northern India. This 61.23 km high-speed corridor will cut travel time by 30–40%, ease congestion, and enhance safety for commuters, transporters, and tourists. Beyond improving connectivity, it is set to stimulate regional infrastructure, boost real estate growth, and create new economic opportunities along the route. As it nears completion, this corridor promises to become a vital artery linking Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, and neighboring states, shaping the future of transportation and development in the region.