The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of an additional 20 km stretch of the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane project between Thanpuri and Parour in Kangra. Global bids for the second phase of the project were recently opened at NHAI headquarters in New Delhi and the work, valued at Rs 815.68 crore, was awarded to a private firm for completion in 21 months.

The work for the first phase had already been awarded. This was conveyed to the state government by Union surface transport minister Nitin Gadkari.

The land acquisition for this phase was in the final phase, which was one of the preconditions for completing the bidding process.