Highway Hell: Baijnath-Paprola Residents Cry Foul Over Gridlock
Baijnath and Paprola residents staged a protest on August 3, 2025, against crippling traffic jams on the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway. The protestors demanded immediate construction of a much-needed bypass road.
Daily life has been severely disrupted by the incessant congestion, they claim. Emergency services are also significantly hampered by the gridlock, leading to delays in critical situations.
The project, initially promised, has been stalled due to funding delays from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), channeled through the Public Works Department (PWD).
Local MLA Kishori Lal has expressed hope for swift approval of the necessary funds, urging for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of his constituents. He emphasized the urgent need for the bypass to address the growing crisis.
The ongoing impasse highlights the critical need for efficient infrastructure planning and timely execution of crucial projects in Himachal Pradesh. The lack of a bypass not only impacts daily commutes but also poses a serious threat to public safety and economic development in the region.
