NHAI to revise road alignment to make highways more eco-friendly

PALAMPUR: The alignment of the Pathankot-Mandi and Kangra-Shimla four-lane projects are scheduled for a review by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The reviews would look into the possible minimisation of environmental degradation and cutting of hills for the construction of the highway projects. The authorities have decided to pause the land acquisition process for the highways in an effort to minimise the damage to the week eco-system of the area. The new guidelines outlined less land requirement for the execution of the project as the width of both the highways would be reduced from the previously decided 45 feet. It is uncertain if the roads could be converted to four lanes, according to the G S Sanga, Director, NHAI.

Revenue authorities of the state government have been requested to provide fresh details of land acquisition as per the newly set guidelines and the new process is expected to be accomplished within a month. NHAI was tasked with the execution of both the projects under a time-bound plan, although a minor delay may be expected. He also disclosed that these two four-lane projects had been kept on medium priority by the NHAI and funds would be sanctioned accordingly.