In a major push to ease traffic congestion and improve road infrastructure, the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation is planning to widen the Nakodar Road from Ambedkar Chowk towards Khambra. The four-lane stretch is proposed to be expanded by five feet on both sides, a move aimed at creating additional road space on one of the city’s increasingly congested corridors.
The proposed widening is part of a larger infrastructure plan estimated to cost ₹4.79 crore. The proposal is expected to be placed before the Finance and Contracts Committee (F&CC) meeting by the end of this month.
Nakodar Road to Get Additional Width
According to the plan, the existing four-lane Nakodar Road, extending from Dr BR Ambedkar Chowk towards Khambra and up to the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation limits, will be widened by around five feet on either side.
The road is already a key route connecting several parts of the city with the outskirts. However, increasing vehicular movement has put considerable pressure on the existing road capacity, particularly during peak hours.
The widening is therefore being viewed as an attempt to provide additional carriageway space and improve traffic movement along the corridor.
₹4.79 Crore Project Planned
The proposed road expansion has been estimated at ₹4.79 crore. Officials are expected to take the project forward after placing it before the F&CC for consideration later this month.
The broader project also includes infrastructure-related works along the corridor. A concrete flooring proposal has also been included for the Sri Guru Ravidass Market, according to the plan.
If approved, the project could provide a much-needed upgrade to a road that has witnessed growing traffic pressure alongside the expansion of residential and commercial activity in the surrounding areas.
Road Serves a Large Population
The importance of the Nakodar Road extends beyond its role as a major traffic corridor. The stretch between Ambedkar Chowk and the TV Tower area serves as a lifeline for a population of around 1.25 lakh people.
Several prominent residential areas located along and around the corridor depend on the road for daily connectivity. These include Avtar Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, New Suraj Ganj, Dayanand Nagar, Deshwal Nagar, Ajit Nagar, Model Town, Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar, Guru Ravidas Nagar and Khambra, among others.
With residential neighbourhoods, commercial establishments and other activity concentrated around the route, even minor disruptions can affect traffic movement across adjoining areas.
Traffic Pressure Driving Expansion
The proposed widening comes at a time when traffic volume on the road has been steadily increasing. The existing four-lane configuration often comes under pressure, particularly at busy intersections and during office and commercial hours.
Adding five feet on both sides could offer additional manoeuvring space and help improve the overall flow of vehicles. However, the effectiveness of the expansion will ultimately depend on how the additional road space is integrated with intersections, parking, pedestrian movement and roadside commercial activity.
Kapurthala Road Also Set for Smart Upgrade
The Nakodar Road project is not the only major road infrastructure proposal being considered for the city.
The Kapurthala Road, from Jalandhar Cantonment to Baba Khel, is also proposed to be developed as a smart road at an estimated cost of ₹5.88 crore.
The project is expected to include a stormwater drainage pipeline, footpaths and street lighting. The corridor connects Jalandhar with the Kapurthala side and passes through residential and industrial areas.
The areas connected by this stretch include Banda Singh Bahadur Nagar, Basti Bawa Khel, Basti Peer Dad, Anand Nagar, New Anand Nagar, Green Park and the surrounding industrial belt. The corridor is also home to a population of around one lakh people.
Together, the proposed Nakodar Road widening and Kapurthala Road smart-road project indicate a broader attempt to upgrade Jalandhar’s road network in response to rising traffic and expanding urban settlements.
For residents, the key challenge will be ensuring that these projects move beyond proposals and are executed efficiently. Timely completion, proper drainage, pedestrian facilities and effective traffic management will determine whether the planned investments translate into smoother and safer daily commuting.
