Mohali greenfield highway: A Festive Gift for Delhi–Himachal Tourists

This Diwali, travelers heading towards the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh have a reason to celebrate even before reaching their destination. The much-awaited Greenfield Highway in Mohali is set to open, promising smoother journeys, reduced travel time, and freedom from the traffic chaos that usually accompanies festive travel.This highway is being constructed as part of the central government’s Bharatmala initiative.  

Here’s what makes the Greenfield Highway a perfect Diwali gift for commuters  

A Timely Relief for Holiday Travelers  

Diwali often brings a surge in road traffic, with countless families driving from Delhi and other nearby regions to the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. The usual routes are notorious for long bottlenecks and hours of congestion .The opening of Mohali’s Greenfield Highway comes as a timely solution, offering an alternative path that eases pressure on existing roads and ensures a more comfortable travel experience.  

An Alternative Route to the Hills  

The new highway creates a direct link between Delhi, Mohali, and Himachal Pradesh, reducing dependence on traditional routes like NH-44 and NH-5. Not only does it shorten travel time, but it also promises a scenic and less stressful ride, making festive journeys more enjoyable. This is especially beneficial for tourists eager to reach destinations like Shimla, Kullu, and Manali without the dread of bumper-to-bumper traffic.  

Boosting Connectivity and Economy  

The Greenfield Highway is more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a catalyst for regional growth. By improving connectivity, it is expected to boost tourism and trade between Punjab, Delhi, and Himachal. Hotels, resorts, and local businesses in Himachal are likely to benefit as smoother travel encourages more visitors during peak festive and holiday seasons .  

Say goodbye to traffic jams this Diwali   

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced that the highly anticipated Greenfield Project in Mohali will be ready by October, with the highway scheduled to open for public use by Diwali. Spanning 31 kilometers , the new stretch will link Chandigarh International Airport through IT Chowk (PR-7) and extend up to the Kurali–Chandigarh Road, ensuring smoother connectivity and reduced travel time .   

Big Investment, Big Relief for Mohali Highway  

The total investment for the Mohali Greenfield Project is estimated at around ₹1,400 crore with roughly half ₹700 crore allocated to land acquisition and compensation, while the remaining ₹700 crore was utilized for constructing the highway.  

This initiative took shape after the proposed Kharar Banur Tepla highway road was called off.  

 Back in July 2019, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) decided to cancel the 40-kilometer Kharar–Banur–Tepla road project because of its rising costs. Soon after, the greenfield highway plan was approved as a more feasible and forward-looking alternative. Once completed, this modern corridor will stand as a major infrastructure milestone for Mohali and its surrounding areas. Beyond easing traffic congestion, it’s set to fuel economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the overall quality of life in the region.