NHAI halts Rs 1,071-crore Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway project amid land acquisition issues
PTC Web Desk: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has terminated the contract for a significant stretch of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway project in Punjab, citing delays in land acquisition. The affected portion extends from Dhunda village in Tarn Taran to Manawala in Amritsar.
As per an official letter (Reference No. NHAI/PIU/ASK/DAK/AC/Pkg-11/efile-207962) dated February 25, the NHAI has invoked Clause 3.4 of the Contract Agreement to cancel the project awarded to the company concerned. The estimated cost of the halted project stands at Rs 1,071 crore.
The primary reason for the termination is the failure to acquire the required land for the expressway segment, which hindered construction progress. Due to these obstacles, the NHAI decided to revoke the tender, delaying the completion of this crucial infrastructure development.
Impact of the project halt
The Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway is a high-speed corridor aimed at reducing travel time between Delhi, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. The cancellation of this particular stretch could impact timelines and lead to further reassessment of project feasibility in affected areas.
The National Highways Authority of India is currently executing 37 highway projects across Punjab, covering a total length of 1,344 km, with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 50,000 crore.
A major setback remained the flagship Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway, which remains stalled due to ongoing farmer protests.
According to sources, the NHAI once sought intervention from the Punjab Government. In a letter to the Punjab Chief Secretary, the authority urged administrative and police officials to provide necessary support in acquiring the remaining land. This step was crucial for progressing on the 15 pending highway projects and completing three crucial sections of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway.
The 669-km expressway, designed as a four-lane access-controlled corridor, connects Jasaur Kheri in Haryana’s Jhajjar district to Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. A significant portion—295.51 km—runs through Punjab.
- PTC NEWS
