India, Dec. 31 -- The National Highways Authority of India's proposed 16.5-km, six-lane Zirakpur-Panchkula bypass is designed to divert Shimla-bound andinterstate traffic away from Chandigarh. The proposed bypass will begin from thePatiala-Zirakpur light point (airport junction) and end at the old Panchkula light point. It will cross the Ambala-Zirakpur highway and pass through Peer Mushalla, Sanoli, Gazipur, and Nagla - all villages in Mohali - before merging with roads dividing Sectors 20 and 21 in Panchkula. Why it matters: The project could prevent nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles from entering the city daily, easing congestion on Madhya Marg and Dakshin Marg. Challenges: Land acquisition troubles and pending forest clearances. Where it stands: NHAI hopes to start construction in 2026, subject to final approvals....