Highway Gridlock: Baijnath & Paprola Cry for Bypass
Baijnath and Paprola residents staged a protest on August 3, 2025, against crippling traffic jams on the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway. The incessant congestion is severely impacting daily life and hindering emergency services.
Their primary demand? A much-needed bypass road. For months, residents have endured hours-long delays, impacting businesses and causing immense inconvenience.
The project, while approved, remains stalled due to funding delays from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), channeled through the Public Works Department (PWD). Assurances from authorities have failed to materialize into tangible progress.
Local MLA Kishori Lal has expressed hope for swift approval of the pending funds. He is actively pursuing the matter with the relevant authorities to expedite the project.
The ongoing delay highlights a critical need for improved infrastructure planning and efficient fund allocation in Himachal Pradesh. The lack of a bypass not only disrupts the daily lives of thousands but also poses a serious threat during medical emergencies. The situation underscores the urgent need for the government to prioritize this vital infrastructure project.
