Punjab Government Approves Jalalabad Bypass to Solve Traffic Woes: Harbhajan Singh ETO

* Assures to Build Under Bridge at Tanda Railway Level Crossing

* Reconstruction of Causeway on Mubarakpur to Dhakoli Road Under Consideration

Chandigarh, March 24

The Punjab government has approved the construction of a bypass in Jalalabad city on the Ferozepur-Fazilka road to ease traffic congestion.

Responding to a query in the Legislative Assembly, Punjab PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that administrative approval for constructing the bypass from Ferozepur-Fazilka Road (Bagho ke Uttar) to FF Road (Amir Khas) (Shaheed Udham Singh Marg) has been issued by the Secretary, Punjab Mandi Board. The 8.75 km long and 5.5 meter wide road will be constructed along the canal and serve as a bypass for Jalalabad city, helping streamline traffic flow.

Regarding the reconstruction of the causeway on Mubarakpur to Dhakoli Road, the Cabinet Minister said the existing 330-meter-long (including approach roads) and 8-meter-wide causeway was damaged in the July 2023 floods. While temporary repairs were made as per SDRF norms, the structure now requires permanent repairs due to heavy vehicle movement. Girders installed to restrict heavy vehicles have been damaged. The estimated repair cost is ₹44.87 lakh, with work to commence after budget approval.

The Minister added that a project to construct a new 150-meter-long causeway is under consideration at an estimated cost of ₹18 crore, with completion expected in 18-24 months.

On the construction of a railway under bridge at Tanda Phatak Level Crossing on the Sahnewal-Jalandhar-Amritsar line in Jalandhar district, Mr. ETO stated the proposal is under consideration. Administrative approval for the ₹13.06 crore project has been received. The Public Works Department will construct approach roads while work within railway boundaries will be handled by the Railway Department.