Diwali gift: Ladhowal bypass to ease jams

Ludhiana: Ladhowal bypass, which will reduce traffic congestion in the city, is likely to be ready around Diwali. Earlier, August-end was the deadline. The project will help decongest traffic as vehicles going from Jagraon, Moga, Ferozepur and other cities towards Jalandhar and Amritsar, among others — which otherwise enter the city on the way to Ladhowal — will take this route.
One of the workers of the private agency executing the 17-kilometre-long road project said, “Because of Covid-19, work remained suspended for around two months and after that there was a shortage of labour as many of them left for their native places.”
A National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) official said the work was complete on most of the road stretches and at present, construction was going on at a bridge near Ladhowal. Work was also under way in the area around 5 kms from Ferozepur Road. Minor works would continue even when the road is open, he added.
“If all goes well, we hope to complete the project around Diwali. We faced labour shortage during the unlock period. As of now, we have around 550 workers against the requirement of 700. A few land issues created problems for the project,” the official said.
“After the road is opened for traffic, toll collection will start at the plaza near Chahal village. Toll rates are fixed as per the length of the road, among other factors,” he said.
City residents, especially those living in South City, Ayali, and surrounding areas, are awaiting the completion of the project.
“Usually, it takes us around 40 minutes to exit the city on the way to Jalandhar or Amritsar, but once this road is completed it will take around 15 to 20 minutes. As major part of the traffic going from Jagraon, Ferozepur, Barnala and Bathinda towards Jalandhar side will go on this road, it will reduce congestion in Ludhiana as well,” said Raunak Malhotra, a businessman of South City.
Residents said the road construction agency should comply with the safety measures as the stretch has witnessed many accidents in the past.
“There have been many fatal accidents on the South City road, with vehicles falling into the canal. Therefore, all road safety measures should be followed to prevent such accidents,” said Surjeet Singh, a resident of the area.
Areas it will pass through
The road construction agency said the road would pass through South City, Ayali, Malakpur and Jainpur before joining with the highway at Ladhowal.