National Highways Authority of India has taken a renewed step toward advancing the long-pending Pathankot–Mandi four-lane highway project by appointing a consultant to prepare a revised detailed project report (DPR) for the 60-km Paror–Padhar section. The corridor has remained stalled for several years, prompting the need for updated planning and execution strategies.
The fresh DPR is intended to address earlier bottlenecks and streamline the project’s progress. Following its approval, the authority is expected to initiate land acquisition procedures and invite global tenders for construction.
Once completed, the upgraded highway is projected to shorten the travel distance between Pathankot and Mandi by nearly 48 km, resulting in improved transit efficiency. The corridor holds strategic importance as it strengthens connectivity towards Leh and Ladakh, supporting both civilian movement and defence logistics.
The project is also expected to generate economic benefits across Himachal Pradesh, particularly in regions such as Kangra, Palampur, and Mandi. Enhanced road infrastructure is likely to ease congestion, reduce travel delays, and lower transportation costs, while also providing a boost to tourism, trade, and regional mobility.