Highway Gridlock Sparks Baijnath-Paprola Uproar
Residents of Baijnath and Paprola have launched a fervent protest against the crippling traffic congestion plaguing the Pathankot-Mandi highway. Their primary demand: the immediate construction of a much-needed bypass.
Initial attempts to address the issue have faltered, leaving the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as the sole entity responsible for the project. This has further fueled public discontent.
Local MLA, , is actively lobbying the state government for swift intervention. He is pushing for a bypass to be constructed between Tashi Jong and the Baijnath railway crossing.
However, a key hurdle remains. The state government lacks the direct authority to undertake such a large-scale infrastructural project, as the highway falls under the NHAI’s jurisdiction. This bureaucratic deadlock is only exacerbating the residents’ frustrations.
The ongoing protest highlights the urgent need for better coordination between state authorities and the NHAI to resolve this critical infrastructure deficit. The continued traffic congestion not only disrupts daily life but also impacts the region’s economic growth and tourism potential, underscoring the need for a timely resolution.
