Bitumen shortage halts new Panchkula-Chandigarh connecting road construction

Sandeep.Rana1@timesofindia.comPanchkula: Global bitumen shortages triggered by the West Asia conflict has stalled the construction of the road, which will give new connectivity between Chandigarh and Panchkula.Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) executive engineer NK Payal told TOI, “The work has been halted as we are not getting bitumen. Even if we are getting it, it is very costly, and on the order of five trucks, we are getting only one. So, we hope things get normalise soon, following which the work will be restarted.”The ongoing West Asia conflict has caused a huge supply chain crisis. The war has caused global bitumen shortages and massive price surges, effectively stalling thousands of road construction projects. Bitumen — the dark, viscous binding agent critical for asphalt roads — is a byproduct of specific crude oils heavily produced in the Gulf and Iran.This particular road is being built from near the regulatory end of Sukhna Lake to near IT park-Dolphin Chowk. As per the officials, of the 1.59km stretch, less than 1km is left to be completed. The road from the Dolphin Chowk side is already built, but moving a bit ahead, there is dead end.Noticing a wide and open road, many commuters these days take this route, only to return after realising there is a dead end ahead. Since, there is no information board about the same, many commuters believe the road has opened as the work has been going on for a long time.“I had to go towards Sukhna Lake, I found this beautiful road near Dolphin Chowk and thought it must be ready. After some distance, I had to come back. The HSVP should put up boards guiding commuters that the road is still under construction and after some distance there is a dead end,” said Tricity resident Yogeshwar Yadav.The work was to be completed in the later part of last year, but previously it was discontinued due to the winter season, which is not conducive for work. Now, bitumen unavailability has completely stalled it.This road will not only improve connectivity between the two towns, but sectors 2, 3, and 4 on this stretch will also see significant development with number of projects planned here.This road is part of the Panchkula development plan. Following coming up of this road, various developmental projects have been planned here. Independent houses, group housing societies, shopping complexes, parks, and such projects are planned to be built here. With the new road getting ready, all development works and the property market will get an impetus here.