If you’ve been following Mohali’s development news, you probably already know that Airport Road has become both a blessing and a bottleneck. It’s one of the busiest corridors in the Tricity region, connecting Chandigarh, Mohali, Zirakpur, and the international airport—but it’s also notorious for traffic jams, accidents, and frustrating delays during peak hours.
Well, there’s finally some good news. GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority) has officially kicked off a massive redesign project starting October 25, 2025, aimed at transforming Airport Road into a safer, smoother, and more efficient corridor. After years of complaints and multiple accidents, the authorities are finally taking concrete action.
As someone who’s been watching Mohali’s real estate market closely, I can tell you this isn’t just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a game-changer for property values, business growth, and quality of life in the region. Let me break down everything you need to know.
What Exactly is GMADA Redesigning on Airport Road?
The project focuses on replacing the existing roundabouts with modern signalized intersections, along with comprehensive road safety improvements along the entire Airport Road stretch from Sector 68 to Sector 79.
Key Changes Coming to Airport Road:
Roundabouts Being Replaced Those circular roundabouts at major intersections—Gopal Chowk, Gurudwara Singh Shaheedan, and others—are being removed. In their place, GMADA is installing modern traffic signal systems that adapt to real-time traffic flow.
Smart Traffic Management This isn’t your typical traffic light system. GMADA is implementing IS-RATA (Integrated Smart Road Traffic Automation) technology, which includes:
- Automated signal control based on vehicle density
- Smart light poles with CCTV cameras
- Environment sensors for air quality monitoring
- Emergency response alerts connected to Mohali’s city control room
Road Widening and Safety Features The redesign includes widening certain stretches, better road markings, improved lighting, and pedestrian-friendly features. They’re also adding proper signage boards to reduce confusion at intersections.
Timeline: 90 Days for Phase 1 The first phase, covering Sector 68 to 79, is expected to take approximately 90 days. That means by early 2026, you should start seeing major improvements in traffic flow.
Why Was This Redesign Necessary?
Let’s be honest—Airport Road has been a mess during rush hours. I’ve heard countless stories from clients who missed flights, reached meetings late, or simply gave up on evening plans because they were stuck in traffic near Gopal Chowk.
The Problems Airport Road Was Facing:
Frequent Accidents The roundabouts, while initially designed to manage traffic, became accident hotspots. High-speed vehicles entering from multiple directions often collided, leading to pile-ups and tragic fatalities.
I remember reading about a particularly bad accident near Sector 70 last year where three vehicles collided because of poor visibility and confusing entry points at the roundabout. That incident, along with many others, pushed authorities to finally take action.
Traffic Bottlenecks During Peak Hours Anyone who’s driven on Airport Road between 8-10 AM or 5-7 PM knows the struggle. What should be a 15-minute drive from Chandigarh to the airport becomes 45 minutes of stop-and-go traffic.
The roundabouts couldn’t handle the volume anymore. With IT City, Aerocity, and multiple residential sectors all feeding into Airport Road, the infrastructure simply wasn’t keeping up with growth.
Lack of Smart Traffic Management Most intersections on Airport Road relied on outdated fixed-timer traffic lights or chaotic roundabouts where “might is right” determined who goes first. There was no adaptive system to handle varying traffic loads throughout the day.
Safety Concerns for Pedestrians With heavy traffic and poor pedestrian infrastructure, crossing Airport Road was genuinely dangerous. Schools, hospitals, and residential areas along the route needed safer crossing points.
How Will This Impact Traffic Flow?
Based on what I’ve seen with similar projects in other cities, the improvements should be significant:
Expected Benefits:
30-40% Reduction in Travel Time Smart traffic signals that adapt to real-time conditions can dramatically improve flow. Instead of waiting at a red light with no cars on the cross street, signals will adjust based on actual traffic density.
For airport-bound travelers, this could mean getting there 10-15 minutes faster—which is huge when you’re cutting it close on flight time.
Fewer Accidents Signalized intersections with clear right-of-way rules are statistically safer than roundabouts on high-speed roads. The CCTV coverage will also help enforce traffic rules and identify violators.
Better Predictability Right now, you never know if Airport Road will take 15 minutes or 45 minutes. With improved traffic management, commute times should become more predictable, which is incredibly valuable for daily commuters and businesses.
Emergency Vehicle Access The smart traffic system includes emergency vehicle prioritization. Ambulances and fire trucks will get green lights automatically, potentially saving lives.
Real Estate Impact: Property Values Set to Rise
This is where things get really interesting for property investors and homebuyers in Mohali.
Areas That Will Benefit Most:
Sectors 68-79 Along Airport Road Properties in these sectors are about to become significantly more attractive. Better connectivity, reduced traffic stress, and improved safety will drive demand.
I’ve already noticed increased inquiries for properties in Sector 70, 71, and 76—buyers are anticipating the changes before prices adjust upward.
Commercial Properties Near Major Intersections Showrooms, office spaces, and retail outlets near redesigned intersections will see higher footfall and better visibility. The CCTV-equipped smart poles also mean better security, which businesses value.
Aerocity and IT City These premium zones were already growing fast, but traffic congestion was a genuine concern for many buyers. With improved connectivity, these areas will become even more desirable.
One of my NRI clients was hesitant about a villa in Aerocity precisely because of Airport Road traffic. After learning about the redesign, he’s reconsidering—and he’s not alone.
Expected Price Appreciation:
Based on patterns I’ve observed with similar infrastructure projects:
Immediate Impact (Next 6 Months) Properties within 2 km of redesigned intersections could see 5-8% appreciation as buyers anticipate improvements.
Post-Completion (1-2 Years) Once the project is complete and people experience the benefits daily, expect another 10-15% appreciation in well-located properties.
Long-Term (3-5 Years) If Airport Road becomes the smooth, efficient corridor GMADA envisions, properties along this stretch could easily appreciate 30-40% compared to today’s prices.
Best Investment Opportunities Right Now:
2-3 BHK Apartments in Sectors 70-76 These are in the sweet spot—close to Airport Road’s benefits without being right on the main road (which can be noisy). Prices are still reasonable, and appreciation potential is strong.
Commercial SCOs Near Gopal Chowk Once traffic flows smoothly, commercial activity will pick up. SCOs (Shop-Cum-Office) in this area are good bets for rental income and appreciation.
Plots in Aerocity If you have the budget, plots in Aerocity are premium investments. Better Airport Road connectivity adds to their already strong value proposition.
Residential Projects Near IT City Young professionals working in IT City will prefer properties with easy, stress-free commutes. Projects in Sectors 82, 83, and surrounding areas will benefit.
Business Opportunities Along the New Corridor
It’s not just residential real estate that will benefit—businesses are set to thrive too.
What’s Opening Up:
Retail and F&B Smoother traffic means more people will stop along Airport Road for shopping, dining, and services. Restaurants, cafes, and retail stores in high-visibility locations will see increased footfall.
Logistics and Warehousing Better connectivity to the airport makes Mohali more attractive for logistics companies. Warehouses and distribution centers along Airport Road could become hotspots.
Hotels and Hospitality With easier airport access, hotels along Airport Road will attract more guests—both business travelers and airport transit passengers.
Corporate Offices Companies prefer locations with good infrastructure and easy employee access. Improved Airport Road makes Mohali more competitive against Chandigarh for corporate office space.
What Homebuyers Should Consider
If you’re thinking of buying property in or around Airport Road, here’s my practical advice:
Buy Before Completion, Not After
Right now, prices reflect the current traffic situation. Once the project is complete and people experience the benefits, prices will adjust upward. Smart buyers are already locking in properties.
However, don’t overpay in anticipation. Stick to fair market value and negotiate firmly—the redesign is a bonus, not a reason to accept inflated prices.
Prioritize Long-Term Value
Even with the redesign, properties right on Airport Road will deal with noise and pollution from heavy traffic. If you’re buying to live, consider properties 500-1000 meters off the main road—close enough to benefit from connectivity but far enough for peace and quiet.
Verify Project Status
Always confirm that the property you’re buying has clear legal documentation and isn’t affected by any road widening plans. Check with GMADA directly if you’re unsure.
Check Connectivity Beyond Airport Road
Don’t buy solely because of Airport Road. Ensure the property has good connectivity to schools, hospitals, markets, and your workplace. Infrastructure is important, but lifestyle convenience matters more for daily living.
Consider the Complete Package
Airport Road redesign is fantastic, but also look at:
- Water and electricity supply in the area
- Quality of construction if buying in a project
- Builder reputation and track record
- Society maintenance and amenities
- Future development plans for the sector
Potential Challenges During Construction
Let’s talk about the not-so-fun part: the 90-day construction phase.
What to Expect:
Traffic Diversions GMADA has promised to minimize disruption, but realistically, there will be diversions and delays during construction. If you’re living or working along Airport Road, factor in extra travel time for the next few months.
Noise and Dust Construction means noise, dust, and general inconvenience. Properties very close to the work zones will experience this daily.
Possible Timeline Extensions Government projects in India often face delays. While GMADA has set a 90-day timeline for Phase 1, be mentally prepared for possible extensions. Weather, contractor issues, or unforeseen complications can push deadlines.
How to Cope:
If you’re currently living near Airport Road:
- Plan your commutes with 20-30 minutes of buffer time
- Keep windows closed during peak construction hours to minimize dust
- Follow GMADA’s updates for specific diversion routes
- Be patient—the long-term benefits will be worth the short-term inconvenience
Comparing Airport Road with Other Tricity Corridors
To put this in perspective, let’s compare Airport Road’s transformation with other major roads in the region:
Chandigarh’s Madhya Marg
Madhya Marg has always been well-maintained with proper traffic management. It’s a benchmark for what Airport Road aspires to become—smooth flow, clear signage, and efficient intersections.
Panchkula’s Pinjore Road
After recent improvements, Pinjore Road has seen increased commercial and residential development. Property prices along that corridor rose 20-25% post-upgrade.
Airport Road has even more potential because it connects to the international airport—a unique advantage that drives both commercial and residential demand.
Zirakpur’s Highway Stretch
The NH-22 passing through Zirakpur is functional but chaotic. Airport Road’s smart traffic system will make it superior in terms of user experience and safety.
Long-Term Vision: Mohali as a Smart City
This Airport Road redesign is part of a larger vision to position Mohali as a modern, smart city that rivals Chandigarh in infrastructure while offering more space and affordability.
Other Developments to Watch:
Alternate Airport Road GMADA is also completing an alternate route from Bawa White House to the airport, expected to open by late 2025. This will further reduce congestion on the main Airport Road.
IT City Expansion With over 80 IT companies already established and plans to create 1.14 lakh direct jobs, IT City is becoming Punjab’s tech hub. Better Airport Road connectivity strengthens this growth.
Mohali Greenfield Corridor The proposed 32 km Greenfield corridor from IT Chowk to Kurali will create yet another major connectivity route, distributing traffic more evenly.
Metro Extension Plans While still in planning stages, potential metro connectivity to Mohali would be a game-changer. Airport Road would likely be a key route for any such expansion.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for Mohali
The Airport Road redesign isn’t just about fixing traffic—it’s a statement about Mohali’s ambitions. For years, the city has been seen as Chandigarh’s affordable alternative. Now, it’s emerging as a destination in its own right.
For property buyers, this is a genuine opportunity. The window between project announcement and completion is when smart investors act. Once the benefits are visible to everyone, prices will have already adjusted.
For residents and daily commuters, there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel. The frustration of Airport Road traffic has been a constant complaint for years. This redesign promises to fix it.
For businesses, better infrastructure means growth opportunities—more customers, better logistics, and easier operations.
The next few months will be challenging with construction underway, but the long-term payoff is worth it. Mohali is transforming, and Airport Road is leading that transformation.
Looking for property investment opportunities in Mohali, especially near Airport Road? At Aqlet Realty, we help you find properties with strong appreciation potential, verify all legal documents, and guide you through the entire buying process. Contact us for honest, expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airport Road Redesign
When will the Airport Road redesign be completed?
Phase 1 covering Sector 68 to 79 is expected to take 90 days from October 25, 2025, putting completion around late January 2026. However, the complete project including smart traffic systems installation may extend into Q2 2026.
Will property prices increase after the redesign?
Yes, historical patterns show that infrastructure improvements typically drive 30-40% appreciation over 3-5 years. Properties within 2 km of improved intersections usually see the maximum benefit.
How will this affect daily commuters during construction?
Expect traffic diversions and 20-30 minute delays during the 90-day construction phase. GMADA has committed to minimizing disruption, but some inconvenience is inevitable. Plan extra travel time if you regularly use Airport Road.
Are roundabouts being completely removed?
Yes, the existing roundabouts at major intersections are being replaced with smart signalized intersections that use adaptive traffic control based on real-time vehicle density.
Which areas will see maximum property appreciation?
Sectors 68-79 along Airport Road, especially Sectors 70, 71, 76, and properties in Aerocity and near IT City. Commercial properties at major intersections will also benefit significantly.
Is this the right time to buy property near Airport Road?
Yes, buying during the construction/early completion phase typically offers the best value. Once improvements are fully visible and traffic flows smoothly, prices will have already adjusted upward. However, don’t overpay—stick to fair market value.
What is IS-RATA technology?
IS-RATA stands for Integrated Smart Road Traffic Automation. It includes adaptive traffic signals, CCTV monitoring, real-time vehicle density analysis, and emergency response systems—all connected to a central control room.
Will there be a green corridor for airport access?
GMADA is working on synchronizing traffic signals to create prioritized routes for airport-bound traffic during peak times, though full green corridor implementation depends on coordination with Chandigarh and Panchkula authorities.
How does this compare to Chandigarh’s infrastructure?
Once complete, Airport Road’s smart traffic management will match or exceed Chandigarh’s standards. The adaptive signal system is more advanced than traditional fixed-timer lights used in many parts of Chandigarh.
Are there other infrastructure projects planned for this area?
Yes, including the alternate Airport Road route (expected late 2025), IT City expansion, proposed Mohali Greenfield corridor, and potential metro extensions in the future. Multiple projects will have a compounding positive effect on property values.