CHANDIGARH — The National Highways Authority of India has submitted an alternative route proposal for the stalled Rs 1,878-crore Zirakpur-Panchkula bypass to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, a modification designed to protect over 1,900 trees.
During proceedings before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor, NHAI counsel presented an audio-video overview of the revised alignment. While the adjustment saves a significant portion of local flora, it introduces an estimated cost escalation of Rs 65 crore and extends the overall project timeline.
“This project is of strategic importance and of great public interest, therefore, a balance must be struck so that the project does not stall and the felling of trees is also minimal,” the bench noted.
| Project Metric | Details |
| Total Project Cost | Rs 1,878 crore (plus Rs 65 crore revision) |
| Environmental Impact | Alternative plan saves over 1,900 trees |
| Corridor Benefit | Cuts travel time from 35 to 17 minutes |
| Next Hearing Date | October 28 |
Counsel for the petitioners, Senior Advocate Anand Chhibber, voiced serious reservations, arguing that the modified route would still impact forest zones near Pir Muchhalla. To resolve the impasse, counsels agreed to convene technical consultation meetings before submitting formal minutes to the court ahead of the next hearing on October 28. The bypass forms a critical part of the wider Tricity Ring Road initiative, linking the Chandigarh Air Force Station to the Western Command headquarters in Chandimandir.
