Chandigarh, Oct. 26 -- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is all set to open bids for the 200-ft-wide, six-lane Zirakpur ring road project next month.

Once complete, it will help decongest Chandigarh roads by providing an alternative route for Shimla-bound traffic from Ambala. Work is expected to begin early next year and be completed within two years, as per officials.

The proposed 16.5-km bypass will begin from the Patiala-Zirakpur light point (airport junction) and end at the old Panchkula light point. It will cross the McDonald's on the Ambala-Zirakpur highway and pass through Peer Mushalla, Sanoli, Gazipur, and Nagla - all villages in Mohali district - before merging with the road dividing Sectors 20 and 21 in Panchkul...