After years of anticipation, construction delays, and farmer protests, the Mohali IT City to Kurali expressway has finally opened to the public on December 23, 2024. This isn’t just another highway—it’s a transformative infrastructure project that’s about to reshape how people travel, work, and invest in the entire Tricity region.
I’ve been covering real estate and infrastructure developments in this area for years, and I can confidently say this is one of the most significant projects to hit Mohali since the International Airport. The impact on traffic, property values, and regional connectivity will be felt for decades to come.
Let me break down everything you need to know about this expressway—what it means for daily commuters, how it affects property prices, which areas will benefit most, and why this changes the entire equation for investing in Mohali.
The Expressway: Fast Facts
Before diving deeper, here’s what you’re getting:
Length: 31.23 km (IT City Chowk to Kurali) Lanes: 6-lane access-controlled expressway Speed Limit: Up to 100 kmph Cost: ₹1,525.3 crores Travel Time Saved: 45 minutes (from 1 hour+ to 15-20 minutes) Infrastructure: 23 underpasses, 83 culverts, 3 major bridges, 5 minor bridges, 7 flyovers Toll Plaza: Near Bajheri village (collection to begin soon) Project Type: Greenfield corridor (completely new alignment, not widening existing roads)
This is Package-2 of the massive 61.23 km Chandigarh-Ambala six-lane highway project worth ₹3,166.96 crores. Package-1 (IT City to Ambala) is 75% complete and expected by May 2026.
Why This Expressway Changes Everything
The Airport Road Problem—Finally Solved
Anyone who’s driven on Airport Road during peak hours knows the pain. What should be a quick 15-minute drive from Chandigarh to the airport becomes 45-60 minutes of bumper-to-bumper traffic. The roundabouts at Gopal Chowk, Sector 70, and other intersections become parking lots during rush hour.
The new expressway bypasses all of this chaos. Interstate traffic heading from Delhi/Haryana to Kurali, Himachal Pradesh, or Jammu & Kashmir no longer needs to go through Mohali and Kharar. They can take the IT City exit and shoot straight to Kurali on a signal-free, high-speed corridor.
For Commuters: If you live in Kharar or Kurali and work in Chandigarh or Mohali’s IT City, your daily commute just became significantly less stressful. What used to take 50-60 minutes now takes 20-25 minutes.
For Businesses: Logistics companies, transporters, and anyone moving goods will save hours daily. The expressway allows speeds up to 100 kmph—compare that to crawling at 20-30 kmph on congested Airport Road.
For Airport Travelers: Miss your flight because of traffic? That problem just got dramatically reduced. The expressway provides an alternate, faster route that avoids the worst congestion points.
Engineering Excellence: 23 Underpasses and 83 Culverts
What makes this truly a “greenfield” expressway is its grade-separated design. There are no level crossings, no traffic lights, no slow-moving vehicles allowed.
23 Underpasses: For local traffic to cross without disrupting highway flow 83 Culverts: For water drainage and preventing flooding 7 Flyovers: Smooth elevation changes without speed reduction 3 Major + 5 Minor Bridges: Crossing rivers, roads, and obstacles seamlessly
The carriageway width is 12.5-13.5 meters including paved and earthen shoulders. This isn’t a narrow Indian highway where one truck can block everything—this is designed for high-speed, high-volume traffic.
Real Estate Impact: The Winners
Infrastructure drives real estate appreciation. Always has, always will. The opening of this expressway is already creating ripples in property prices across multiple areas.
1. IT City Mohali—The Immediate Winner
IT City, which already houses over 80 companies and employs thousands of tech professionals, just became significantly more attractive.
Why IT City Benefits:
- The expressway starts right at IT City Chowk
- Employees living in Kharar, Kurali, or even Chandigarh can commute faster
- New companies will find IT City more appealing due to better connectivity
- Commercial properties and office spaces will see increased demand
Expected Appreciation: Real estate experts are predicting 15-25% appreciation in IT City area properties over the next 2-3 years.
I’ve already noticed increased inquiries for 2 BHK and 3 BHK apartments in IT City sectors. Young professionals who previously avoided the area due to connectivity concerns are now reconsidering.
2. New Chandigarh (Mullanpur)—Major Connectivity Boost
New Chandigarh, GMADA’s planned township, is located along the expressway route. Properties here were already appreciating due to planned development, but the expressway adds rocket fuel to that growth.
Why New Chandigarh Benefits:
- Direct expressway access improves connectivity to Chandigarh and the airport
- Areas like Mullanpur become more viable for daily commuters
- Future Eco City-3 and other GMADA projects become more attractive
- Infrastructure development accelerates when major highways are nearby
Investment Opportunity: Plots and apartments in New Chandigarh sectors are still relatively affordable compared to established Mohali areas. With the expressway now operational, expect a surge in buyer interest.
3. Kharar—From Bottleneck to Beneficiary
Kharar has been growing rapidly but suffered from traffic congestion as all traffic squeezed through its roads. The expressway changes that entirely.
Why Kharar Benefits:
- Through traffic now bypasses the town, reducing local congestion
- Residents enjoy faster access to Chandigarh and Mohali
- Commercial activity increases as the area becomes more accessible
- Properties near expressway access points see premium pricing
Current Pricing: 3 BHK apartments in Kharar range from ₹45-70 lakhs. Expect this to push toward ₹55-85 lakhs over the next 2-3 years in well-located projects.
4. Kurali—The Emerging Hub
Kurali has traditionally been seen as “too far” from Chandigarh. Not anymore. With the expressway, Kurali is now just 20-25 minutes from IT City and 30-35 minutes from Chandigarh.
Why Kurali Benefits:
- Massive connectivity upgrade makes it viable for daily commuters
- Industrial and commercial development likely to accelerate
- Residential properties become attractive for people priced out of Mohali/Chandigarh
- Land prices expected to appreciate significantly
The Opportunity: Kurali still offers some of the most affordable property in the region. If you’re willing to be slightly farther out, this is where maximum appreciation potential exists.
5. Sectors 82, 83, 85 (Along the Route)
Properties in sectors directly along or near the expressway route are seeing immediate price bumps.
Why These Sectors Benefit:
- Direct access to expressway
- Reduced travel time to all major destinations
- Infrastructure development brings commercial activity
- Premium location advantage
Buyer Tip: Don’t buy right on the expressway (noise and pollution). Look for properties 500-1000 meters away—close enough to benefit from connectivity, far enough for peaceful living.
Business and Commercial Opportunities
Infrastructure projects don’t just help homebuyers—they create massive business opportunities.
Logistics and Warehousing
The expressway’s high-speed, uninterrupted flow makes it ideal for logistics operations. Expect warehouses and distribution centers to come up along the route, serving:
- E-commerce companies needing fast delivery to Chandigarh/Mohali
- Manufacturing units in Derabassi, Lalru, Baddi, Rajpura
- Import/export operations via the airport
Investment Angle: Commercial land near the expressway for logistics facilities could see strong returns.
Retail and Hospitality
Expressways create natural stopping points. Expect:
- Fuel stations at strategic locations
- Restaurants and dhabas for travelers
- Hotels catering to business travelers and tourists
- Retail outlets at key junctions
The toll plaza near Bajheri village is already one such hub. Commercial properties nearby will benefit from heavy traffic flow.
Office Spaces and IT Parks
With better connectivity, more companies will consider setting up offices in Mohali’s IT City and surrounding areas. Lower real estate costs compared to Chandigarh, combined with excellent connectivity, make it attractive.
Corporate Perspective: A company can now house employees in affordable Kharar/Kurali housing while operating offices in IT City—commutes are manageable.
Comparing Before and After: Real Commute Times
Let me give you actual time savings:
Chandigarh (Sector 17) to Kurali
- Before: 60-75 minutes (via Airport Road and Kharar)
- After: 30-35 minutes (via expressway)
- Time Saved: 30-40 minutes each way
Mohali IT City to Kurali
- Before: 45-60 minutes
- After: 15-20 minutes
- Time Saved: 25-40 minutes each way
Airport to Kurali
- Before: 50-60 minutes
- After: 20-25 minutes
- Time Saved: 25-35 minutes each way
Delhi to Himachal Pradesh (via Chandigarh route)
- Before: Had to go through congested Mohali/Kharar roads
- After: Direct expressway bypass avoiding all urban traffic
- Time Saved: 45-60 minutes
For daily commuters, this translates to 1.5-2 hours saved per day. Over a year, that’s literally weeks of your life back.
The Construction Journey: Delays and Challenges
This project wasn’t without obstacles. Understanding the challenges helps set realistic expectations for other upcoming projects.
Farmer Protests and Land Acquisition
In November 2024, farmers blocked the expressway just days before the scheduled opening, demanding an entry/exit point near the toll plaza. After negotiations with NHAI, the protest was resolved, allowing the expressway to finally open in mid-December.
Land acquisition was a major challenge. The project impacted 2,200 landowners across 215 hectares, with the district administration distributing ₹19.51 billion in compensation to 6,650 landowners across seven highway projects.
Lesson Learned: Infrastructure projects in India face delays. Always factor in 6-12 months beyond official timelines when making investment decisions.
Monsoon and Construction Delays
The project faced repeated delays due to monsoon rains and the farmer blockade. What was initially targeted for September 2024 opening finally materialized in December 2024.
For Investors: Don’t make property purchases based on “project will complete in 6 months.” Wait until you see actual visible progress or buy in already-developed areas.
The Bigger Picture: Chandigarh-Ambala Expressway
The Mohali-Kurali expressway is just one piece of a larger puzzle.
Package-1: IT City to Ambala (Coming May 2026)
The 30-km Package-1 section from Ambala-Hisar Road to IT City is 75% complete and targeted for opening by May 2026. Once this opens, you’ll have seamless six-lane expressway connectivity from Ambala all the way through to Kurali.
Why This Matters: It completes the Tricity ring-road network, dramatically improving connectivity to Haryana, Delhi, and beyond.
Integration with Other Projects
The expressway connects with several other major infrastructure projects:
- Zirakpur Bypass: Reduces congestion in Zirakpur
- Pinjore-Baddi-Nalagarh Road: Better connectivity to Himachal
- Peripheral Road: Completing the ring around Chandigarh
- Future Metro Extension: Potential metro connectivity to Mohali and beyond (long-term)
Each project compounds the benefits of others. Good infrastructure attracts more infrastructure.
Toll Charges and Usage
A toll plaza has been established near Bajheri village, though collection has not yet commenced.
Expected Toll Structure (based on similar NHAI projects):
- Cars/Jeeps: ₹50-80 (approximate)
- Light Commercial Vehicles: ₹100-150
- Trucks/Heavy Vehicles: ₹200-300
These are estimates—actual rates will be announced by NHAI when toll collection begins.
Is It Worth the Toll? Absolutely. Saving 45 minutes of travel time, reduced fuel consumption from avoiding stop-and-go traffic, and lower vehicle wear-and-tear easily justify the toll for regular users.
Environmental and Safety Features
Modern expressways aren’t just about speed—they’re about safety and sustainability.
Safety Features
- CCTV Surveillance: Monitoring for accidents and rule violations
- Emergency Call Boxes: For breakdowns and emergencies
- LED Lighting: Better visibility at night
- Reflective Signage: Clear directions even in low visibility
- Crash Barriers: Preventing vehicles from crossing into opposite lanes
- Grade Separation: No level crossings means no collision risk with local traffic
Environmental Considerations
- Green Belts: Tree plantation along the expressway
- Drainage Systems: 83 culverts ensure proper water flow, preventing flooding
- Noise Barriers: Where expressway passes near residential areas
- Eco-Friendly Construction: Modern techniques to minimize environmental impact
Investment Strategy: How to Capitalize
If you’re looking to invest based on this development, here’s practical advice:
For Long-Term Investors (5-10 Years)
Buy in Emerging Areas: Kurali, New Chandigarh, parts of Kharar—these have maximum appreciation potential. Prices are still reasonable, and the expressway will drive sustained growth.
Focus on Residential Plots: In developing areas, plots offer better appreciation than built properties. Buy in GMADA or reputed builder developments.
Consider Commercial Land: Near expressway access points or in Kurali’s developing commercial zones. As businesses discover the area, demand will increase.
For Medium-Term Investors (2-5 Years)
Apartment Projects Near Completion: In IT City, established New Chandigarh sectors, or Kharar. You get immediate possession and benefit from appreciation as the expressway’s impact becomes fully visible.
Commercial SCOs: Shop-cum-office spaces in high-traffic areas near the expressway. Rental yields should be good as businesses set up.
For Homebuyers
Balance Connectivity with Lifestyle: Don’t buy just because of the expressway. Ensure the area has schools, hospitals, markets, and other amenities you need for daily life.
Visit Multiple Times: See the property during rush hour. Check if expressway access is truly convenient or requires navigating through congested local roads first.
Verify Builder Reputation: Expressway or not, buying from a reliable builder matters more than location. Check their track record, visit completed projects, talk to existing residents.
What to Avoid
Don’t Overpay for Hype: Some sellers will inflate prices citing the expressway. Compare rates carefully across multiple properties before committing.
Avoid Buying Right on the Expressway: Noise pollution and air quality issues make it unpleasant for residential living. Stay at least 500-1000 meters away.
Don’t Ignore Legal Due Diligence: Expressway proximity doesn’t eliminate the need for clear titles, proper approvals, and legal verification.
Comparison with Other Indian Expressways
To understand the impact, let’s compare with similar projects:
Delhi-Meerut Expressway
Opened in stages from 2018-2023. Property prices in Ghaziabad and Noida Extension surged 40-60% within 3-4 years of opening. Mohali could follow a similar trajectory.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Transformed Lonavala, Khandala, and areas in between. Real estate in these towns appreciated multifold. Similar pattern expected for Kharar and Kurali.
Yamuna Expressway (Delhi-Agra)
Created entirely new townships and real estate hubs. Areas that were farmland became premium addresses. While Mohali won’t see such dramatic change (it’s already developed), emerging areas like Kurali will benefit significantly.
Future Developments to Watch
The expressway is just the beginning. Keep an eye on:
Upcoming Projects
- Completion of Package-1 (May 2026): Full Chandigarh-Ambala connectivity
- Eco City-3 in New Chandigarh: 713 acres development recently announced
- Airport Road Redesign: Smart traffic management systems being implemented
- Industrial Park Expansions: Near Derabassi and Rajpura
- Potential Metro Extensions: Long-term possibility connecting to Mohali
Areas to Watch
- Landran: Between New Chandigarh and Kharar, good connectivity to expressway
- Banur: On the route, still affordable, industrial activity increasing
- Zirakpur: Once the bypass opens, congestion reduces, making it more livable
- Sectors along Kurali-Siswan Road: Direct expressway access, underdeveloped currently
Final Thoughts: A Transformation Years in the Making
The opening of the Mohali IT City-Kurali expressway marks a turning point for the entire region. This isn’t just about faster commutes—it’s about unlocking potential that’s been constrained by poor connectivity for years.
For commuters, the quality of life improvement is immediate and tangible. Imagine getting back 10+ hours every week that you were previously wasting in traffic.
For businesses, the logistics efficiency and access to larger talent pools (employees can now live farther out) create real competitive advantages.
For property investors, this is the kind of infrastructure development that drives sustained appreciation. Not overnight—but steadily over 5-10 years as the region’s full potential is realized.
For homebuyers, it expands options. Areas that were previously “too far” are now commutable. You can get more space and better value without sacrificing connectivity.
The expressway doesn’t just connect Mohali to Kurali—it connects people to opportunities, businesses to markets, and regions to prosperity.
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about investing in Mohali, Kharar, or Kurali, this is your signal. The infrastructure is here. The appreciation will follow.
Looking to invest in properties near the new expressway? Want to explore opportunities in IT City, New Chandigarh, Kharar, or Kurali? At Aqlet Realty, we provide expert guidance on emerging real estate opportunities with complete legal verification and honest advice. Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Mohali-Kurali expressway open?
The expressway officially opened to vehicular traffic on December 23, 2024, after resolving farmer protests and completing final construction work.
How much time does the expressway save?
The expressway cuts travel time by approximately 45 minutes between Mohali and Kurali. What previously took 50-60 minutes now takes just 15-20 minutes.
What is the speed limit on the expressway?
The expressway allows speeds up to 100 kmph. It’s an access-controlled, signal-free corridor designed for high-speed travel.
Is there a toll on the expressway?
Yes, a toll plaza has been established near Bajheri village, though toll collection hasn’t commenced yet. Expect charges similar to other NHAI expressways (₹50-80 for cars).
Which areas will see property price increases?
IT City, New Chandigarh, Kharar, and Kurali are expected to see 15-25% appreciation over the next 2-3 years. Properties near expressway access points will benefit most.
Should I buy property in Kurali now?
If you have a long-term investment horizon (5-10 years), Kurali offers good value. The expressway dramatically improves connectivity, making it viable for daily commuters. However, ensure the area has necessary amenities for your lifestyle needs.
Does the expressway connect to the airport?
Indirectly. The expressway starts at IT City Chowk, which connects to Airport Road. It provides an alternate, faster route avoiding the most congested parts of Airport Road.
When will the complete Chandigarh-Ambala expressway be ready?
Package-2 (Mohali-Kurali) is now open. Package-1 (IT City-Ambala) is 75% complete and expected by May 2026. The full 61.23 km expressway should be operational by mid-2026.
Is it safe to drive at 100 kmph?
Yes, the expressway is designed for high-speed travel with proper safety features—crash barriers, clear signage, grade separation, and CCTV surveillance. However, drive responsibly and follow traffic rules.
Will this reduce Airport Road congestion?
Significantly. Interstate traffic that previously had no choice but to use Airport Road can now bypass Mohali and Kharar entirely, taking the expressway directly from IT City to Kurali. This should ease 30-40% of the traffic load on Airport Road.