Mohali's Road to Progress: A New Era of Infrastructure Development
January 2, 2025, 9:55 pm
Location: India, Delhi, New Delhi
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1988
Total raised: $4.83B
In the heart of Mohali, a transformation is underway. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has received the green light for seven significant road infrastructure projects. This is not just a bureaucratic handover; it’s a leap into the future. The district administration has successfully acquired approximately 588.70 hectares of land, paving the way for crucial corridors that will redefine connectivity in the region.
The total financial outlay for this land acquisition stands at a staggering Rs 19.51 billion. This amount has been distributed among 6,650 landowners, marking a significant step in the development process. The projects include the IT City-Kurali Greenfield Corridor, Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Corridor, Mohali-Sirhind-Sehna Greenfield Corridor, and the Zirakpur bypass. Each of these corridors is a thread in the fabric of Mohali’s infrastructure, weaving together economic growth and enhanced mobility.
However, the journey to this point has not been without its bumps. Land acquisition has historically been a contentious issue, often leading to protests and delays. Farmers have voiced their concerns, fearing the loss of their land and livelihoods. Yet, the district administration has navigated these challenges with determination. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s stern warnings about project cancellations have added urgency to the situation. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable.
The largest project, the IT City Chowk-Kharar-Kurali corridor, spans 215 hectares and affects 2,200 landowners. This corridor is not just a road; it’s a lifeline for the region. It promises to enhance access to the burgeoning IT sector, attracting investment and creating jobs. The Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Corridor, impacting 2,500 landowners across 28 villages, is another critical artery. It symbolizes the intersection of rural and urban development, bridging gaps and fostering growth.
Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain has confirmed the successful handover of key stretches. The 31.23 km stretch from IT City Chowk to the Kurali-Chandigarh road, the 27.37 km for the Sirhind-Mohali highway, and the 30.83 km for the Ambala-Chandigarh project are now in NHAI’s hands. This is a significant milestone, marking the end of a long and arduous process.
But what does this mean for the residents of Mohali? It means reduced travel times, improved safety, and enhanced economic opportunities. The roads are the veins of the economy, and with better infrastructure, the blood of commerce will flow more freely. Businesses will thrive, and the quality of life for residents will improve.
Meanwhile, the NHAI is not resting on its laurels. The agency is actively pursuing asset monetization through the toll-operate-transfer (TOT) model. Recently, four infrastructure giants—IRB Infrastructure Developers, Epic Concessions, Adani Roads, and PATH—have thrown their hats into the ring for the TOT Bundle 15. This 124-km stretch of the Trichy-Tovrankurichi-Madurai section is poised for development under this innovative model.
The TOT model allows private entities to operate, maintain, and collect tolls on national highway assets for a period of 15 to 30 years. In return, they pay a one-time concession fee to the government. This approach not only brings in immediate revenue but also ensures that the roads are maintained to high standards. The NHAI has identified 86 stretches, covering approximately 4,912 km, for monetization. This is a strategic move to leverage existing assets for future growth.
As the NHAI evaluates technical and financial bids, the anticipation builds. The contract for TOT Bundle 15 is expected to be awarded soon, signaling the start of another chapter in India’s infrastructure story. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has already raised Rs 1 lakh crore through asset monetization, showcasing the potential of this model.
In conclusion, Mohali stands at a crossroads. The successful handover of land for major highway projects is a testament to the determination of local authorities and the NHAI. It signifies a commitment to progress, despite the challenges faced along the way. The road ahead is filled with promise. With improved infrastructure, Mohali is not just building roads; it is paving the way for a brighter future. The wheels of progress are in motion, and the journey has just begun.
The total financial outlay for this land acquisition stands at a staggering Rs 19.51 billion. This amount has been distributed among 6,650 landowners, marking a significant step in the development process. The projects include the IT City-Kurali Greenfield Corridor, Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Corridor, Mohali-Sirhind-Sehna Greenfield Corridor, and the Zirakpur bypass. Each of these corridors is a thread in the fabric of Mohali’s infrastructure, weaving together economic growth and enhanced mobility.
However, the journey to this point has not been without its bumps. Land acquisition has historically been a contentious issue, often leading to protests and delays. Farmers have voiced their concerns, fearing the loss of their land and livelihoods. Yet, the district administration has navigated these challenges with determination. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s stern warnings about project cancellations have added urgency to the situation. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable.
The largest project, the IT City Chowk-Kharar-Kurali corridor, spans 215 hectares and affects 2,200 landowners. This corridor is not just a road; it’s a lifeline for the region. It promises to enhance access to the burgeoning IT sector, attracting investment and creating jobs. The Ambala-Chandigarh Greenfield Corridor, impacting 2,500 landowners across 28 villages, is another critical artery. It symbolizes the intersection of rural and urban development, bridging gaps and fostering growth.
Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain has confirmed the successful handover of key stretches. The 31.23 km stretch from IT City Chowk to the Kurali-Chandigarh road, the 27.37 km for the Sirhind-Mohali highway, and the 30.83 km for the Ambala-Chandigarh project are now in NHAI’s hands. This is a significant milestone, marking the end of a long and arduous process.
But what does this mean for the residents of Mohali? It means reduced travel times, improved safety, and enhanced economic opportunities. The roads are the veins of the economy, and with better infrastructure, the blood of commerce will flow more freely. Businesses will thrive, and the quality of life for residents will improve.
Meanwhile, the NHAI is not resting on its laurels. The agency is actively pursuing asset monetization through the toll-operate-transfer (TOT) model. Recently, four infrastructure giants—IRB Infrastructure Developers, Epic Concessions, Adani Roads, and PATH—have thrown their hats into the ring for the TOT Bundle 15. This 124-km stretch of the Trichy-Tovrankurichi-Madurai section is poised for development under this innovative model.
The TOT model allows private entities to operate, maintain, and collect tolls on national highway assets for a period of 15 to 30 years. In return, they pay a one-time concession fee to the government. This approach not only brings in immediate revenue but also ensures that the roads are maintained to high standards. The NHAI has identified 86 stretches, covering approximately 4,912 km, for monetization. This is a strategic move to leverage existing assets for future growth.
As the NHAI evaluates technical and financial bids, the anticipation builds. The contract for TOT Bundle 15 is expected to be awarded soon, signaling the start of another chapter in India’s infrastructure story. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has already raised Rs 1 lakh crore through asset monetization, showcasing the potential of this model.
In conclusion, Mohali stands at a crossroads. The successful handover of land for major highway projects is a testament to the determination of local authorities and the NHAI. It signifies a commitment to progress, despite the challenges faced along the way. The road ahead is filled with promise. With improved infrastructure, Mohali is not just building roads; it is paving the way for a brighter future. The wheels of progress are in motion, and the journey has just begun.