Mohali: Airport-bound commuters have got relief with the opening of a newly constructed signal-free alternate road to Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport.The new corridor, running parallel to the existing Airport Road, has gained significance after farmers occupied one side of the Jagatpura-Chandigarh road as part of their week-long agitation. While traffic continues on the remaining carriageway, the alternate route provides an additional option for travellers heading to the airport.Beginning near Bawa White House in Phase XI, the newly opened stretch offers about 4.5 km of uninterrupted, signal-free travel before connecting to the flyover leading towards the airport turn. The route is expected to reduce travel time and provide a more predictable journey for passengers, particularly during peak hours.The road forms part of an 8.5-km alternate corridor being developed to strengthen airport connectivity by creating a parallel route to the existing Airport Road. Officials believe the new link will help distribute traffic more evenly and ease pressure on one of Mohali’s busiest corridors.Its opening comes at a crucial time as traffic patterns have been altered due to the farmers’ protest. Though only one side of the dual carriageway between Tribune Chowk and IISER Chowk has been occupied, the reduced road space has increased the importance of alternate access routes.GMADA chief engineer Ajay Garg said around 95% of the project has been completed. The remaining work involves bitumen laying on a second bridge over a seasonal rivulet, which is expected to be completed within 10 days. “The bridge structure is complete and only surfacing work remains. After conducting necessary trials, we decided to open one carriageway for traffic,” Garg said.The project had missed multiple completion deadlines, including those in April, May, July and August, leading GMADA to penalise the contractor. Despite the delays, officials say the partially opened corridor is already providing much-needed relief and is expected to play a key role in both easing congestion and improving airport access.
