Committee approves Ghaggar bridge, Jal Dhara beautification projects
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
The Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA) is going to give a ‘New Year Gift’ to the residents of Panchkula city by starting two big projects. These projects are Construction of Bridge on Ghaggar river near Golf Club on Sector-3/21 road (Estimate Cost-Rs 32.50 crore) and Beautification of two Jal Dhara passing through the Panchkula City (Estimate Cost-Rs 95.42 crore), namely the Jal Dhara starting from Mata Mansa Devi Mandir to Rajeev-Indra colony upto Punjab border (Length – 5.60 km) and Singh Nallah Chow from Sector-1 to Industrial Area upto Punjab border (Length – 5.30 km).
A PMDA spokesperson informed that the tenders of both these works have been approved in the ‘High-Powered Purchase Committee’ meeting held under the Chairmanship of CM Nayab Singh Saini on 27.12.2025. These projects have been approved on the long pending demand of the Panchkula residents and various Resident Welfare Associations of Panchkula City. Keeping in view the dire need, these projects have been sanctioned with the personal intervention of K.M. Pandurang, CEO, PMDA, to provide better facility to the residents of the city.
The first project pertains to the construction of a bridge on the Ghaggar river near the Golf Club on the Sector-3/21 road. The estimated cost of the bridge is Rs. 32.50 crore. The bridge will have a total length of 333.90 metres and a width of 14.0 metres, with provision for three lanes. At present, the existing two-lane bridge over the Ghaggar is not sufficient to handle the incoming and outgoing traffic load. Due to the inadequate width, residents of Panchkula Extension Sectors-23 to 28 are facing inconvenience because of frequent and prolonged traffic jams. After the construction of the new bridge, one-way traffic will be operated on both bridges, which will permanently resolve the problem of traffic congestion in the area. The construction of the bridge will be completed within a period of 24 months.
The second project relates to the beautification of two Jal Dhara passing through Panchkula City at an estimated cost of Rs. 95.42 crore. Both the natural rainy ‘nallahs’ mentioned above pass through densely inhabited areas of Panchkula City and are presently in a dilapidated condition. Due to uneven surface levels, spare and untreated water from adjoining areas remains stagnant at several locations, resulting in foul smell and creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which may pose serious health hazards. Unwanted vegetation growing along the streams gives an ugly appearance and provides shelter to poisonous insects and unscrupulous elements. In addition, residents of adjoining areas have been using these nallahs as garbage dumping sites.
The spokesperson said to address these issues, several provisions have been incorporated in the Detailed Project Report. A 1.5-metre-wide precast central channel along with RCC retaining walls of 0.45 metres height above ground level will be constructed. GI fencing of 2.00 metres height will be provided on both sides of the nallahs to regulate the regular flow of water and to prevent dumping of garbage. Provision has also been made for cycle tracks and walking tracks, construction of new steel bridges for crossing, street lighting and plantation between the tracks and the retaining walls. The adjoining land along the nallahs will be developed with facilities including one cafeteria, ten badminton courts, six yoga courts, two volleyball courts, two half basketball courts, one skating rink and two children’s play areas.
The work of beautification of the nallahs will be completed within 18 months from the date of allotment of the work. After completion, the residents will be able to use both side banks of the nallahs for morning and evening walks as well as for recreational activities. Provisions for food courts and children’s play areas have also been included to enhance the overall utility and livability of the surrounding areas.