The long-delayed four-laning of the Pinjore-Baddi-Nalagarh National Highway has finally moved a step closer to resumption, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) set to invite bids on June 16 for the balance work after securing approval for the riverbed protection design from IIT-Roorkee.
The approval addresses a key observation raised by the Standing Committee on Finance (SCF) of the NHAI. “Bids will be invited on June 16 as the committee’s recommendation regarding riverbed protection has been complied with. The revised estimate of Rs 594 crore for the balance work was approved by the SCF in its April 17 meeting,” said Anand Dahiya, Project Director, NHAI, Shimla.
Following technical and financial evaluation, the contract is expected to be awarded by the first week of October. The selected agency will be given two years to complete the remaining work.
The 36-km highway stretch, including 17.37 km in Himachal Pradesh and the remaining portion in Haryana, serves as a vital link to one of North India’s busiest industrial belts.
According to Dahiya, the riverbed protection component was originally designed by the project consultant. However, severe monsoon conditions in 2023 led to scouring around some existing bridges and a newly constructed bridge, prompting authorities to revisit the design. The revised protection measures will be executed at eight vulnerable locations, including Kiratpur, Marrawala, Baddi Bridge, Bhud Barrier on Ratta Khud, Bagbania and Khera.
The latest development comes after the tender process was postponed for the 22nd time. Construction has remained virtually stalled for nearly a year since Gujarat-based Patel Infrastructure Limited abandoned the project in June 2025 after completing only 45 per cent of the work.
The revised project cost has risen to Rs 594 crore due to the addition of several components, including service lanes for settlements along the highway, two new bridges and a 2-km sewerage line.
Despite the breakthrough, concerns persist among residents and industrial stakeholders as the monsoon season approaches. With major construction unlikely before mid-September, fears remain of a repeat of last year’s disruptions.
Several stretches of the highway continue to remain incomplete, with excavated sections, makeshift diversions and abrupt road narrowings causing daily traffic congestion and increasing accident risks. Industries and commuters have been bearing the brunt of the prolonged delays for nearly a year.
