Four-laning of deadly road to Mullanpur near Ludhiana begins

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has finally begun fourlaning of the octroi post-Mullanpur stretch of the Ferozepur road, a narrow route infamously called the “death trap” due to a large number of fatal accidents on it.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has finally begun fourlaning of the octroi post-Mullanpur stretch of the Ferozepur road, a narrow route infamously called the “death trap” due to a large number of fatal accidents on it. “The entire project will be completed by October 2016 and the stretch till Mullanpur will be completed by March 2016,” project director, NHAI, NK Jain said.

The road widening is likely to give a push to real estate business in Ludhiana and the townships dotting the route. (HT Photo)

The widening, already started last week by a private contractor who was allotted the project, has brought cheer to thousands of commuters who travel to and from Mullanpur each day. “We have suffered a lot while travelling on the single lane… the widening is a good initiative,” said a Mullanpur resident, Davinder Singh.

Experts, however, have a piece of advice. “The contractor should align the unevenness of the road caused by the old rail line as this is a serious problem. “Also, there are several arterial ways that were made along the road … they are another reason for accidents, and need to be taken care of,” said Kamaljeet Singh Soi, a prominent road safety expert.

Boost to real estate

“We are not widening the road near army cantonment as the army has not given us permission. But the cantonment authorities have sent a letter to the defence ministry seeking directions,” said the project contractor, Ramneek Sehgal.