The Punjab government has sanctioned the construction of a bypass in Jalalabad city along the Ferozepur-Fazilka road to alleviate traffic congestion.
Responding to a query in the Legislative Assembly, Punjab PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO announced that administrative approval has been granted by the Secretary, Punjab Mandi Board, for the construction of the bypass from Ferozepur-Fazilka Road (Bagho ke Uttar) to FF Road (Amir Khas) (Shaheed Udham Singh Marg). The proposed bypass will span 8.75 km in length and 5.5 meters in width, running along the canal to facilitate smoother traffic movement in Jalalabad.
Addressing the reconstruction of the causeway on Mubarakpur to Dhakoli Road, the Minister noted that the existing 330-meter-long and 8-meter-wide structure was damaged during the July 2023 floods. Temporary repairs were carried out under SDRF norms, but due to frequent heavy vehicle movement, the causeway now requires permanent repairs. The estimated cost for the repair is ₹44.87 lakh, with work set to begin after budget approval.
Additionally, the Minister mentioned that a new 150-meter-long causeway is being considered at an estimated cost of ₹18 crore, with completion expected within 18 to 24 months.
Regarding the construction of a railway underpass at Tanda Phatak Level Crossing on the Sahnewal-Jalandhar-Amritsar railway line in Jalandhar district, Mr. ETO stated that the project is under review. Administrative approval has been secured for the ₹13.06 crore initiative, with the Public Works Department handling the approach roads, while work within railway boundaries will be undertaken by the Railway Department.