Jalandhar is set to get a new 39.5-km, four-lane bypass under the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway project, aimed at improving connectivity between Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Sultanpur Lodhi. The project has an estimated construction cost of ₹669.12 crore and will be developed in two sections.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) finalised the project plan in April 2026. According to the project details provided, the contract is scheduled to be awarded to a construction agency on November 19, 2026.
One of the key features of the project is the construction of two interchanges, a trumpet interchange and a diamond interchange. The diamond interchange will be the first of its kind in the district, according to the project details.
These interchanges are designed to allow vehicles to move between connecting roads without stopping at conventional traffic signals. The bypass is expected to help heavy vehicles travelling towards Moga, Ferozepur, Kapurthala and Sultanpur Lodhi avoid entering Jalandhar city.
The bypass will be constructed in two sections under the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway's four-lane greenfield connectivity project, identified as Package P10.
The first section will cover 15.5 km, connecting the Jalandhar-Moga National Highway with the Jalandhar-Kapurthala National Highway. It will serve as an outer bypass for Jalandhar, allowing traffic to travel between these routes without passing through the city's busy roads.
The second section will cover 24 km, connecting the Jalandhar-Moga National Highway with the Kapurthala-Sultanpur Lodhi National Highway.
Together, the two sections will create a four-lane corridor spanning 39.5 km, improving road connectivity between the three areas.
The proposed trumpet and diamond interchanges will help vehicles move between the connecting highways. These road structures are designed to reduce the need for traffic signals and minimise interruptions at major junctions.
The bypass is expected to be particularly useful for commercial vehicles transporting goods from Jalandhar's sports goods, leather and hand-tool industries. By providing an alternative to congested city roads, the corridor could reduce travel time and transportation costs for freight operators.
It will also offer an alternative route for people travelling from Sultanpur Lodhi towards Delhi and Katra.
The project is expected to reduce traffic pressure on roads within Jalandhar by diverting through-traffic away from the city centre. However, the extent of the reduction in congestion and accidents will depend on traffic patterns and the completed road network.
The project also includes vehicle underpasses at different locations to facilitate the movement of local residents, villagers and two-wheeler riders across the corridor.
These underpasses are intended to provide safer crossings and reduce the need for local traffic to cross the main highway directly.
Other planned features include high-mast LED lighting for improved visibility at night, directional signboards to guide motorists and a drainage network to manage rainwater.
The four-lane bypass is planned as part of the wider expressway connectivity network. Once completed, it is expected to provide a more direct route for traffic moving between Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Sultanpur Lodhi while helping heavy vehicles avoid congested roads inside Jalandhar.
The project is now awaiting the scheduled contract award on November 19, after which the construction agency will be responsible for executing the work under the project agreement.