The Punjab and Haryana High Court has been informed that one of the shorter alternative routes to the Chandigarh International Airport from Mohali side will become operational by May 31, marking a significant development in the decade-old litigation concerning improved connectivity to the airport.Taking up the petition filed way back in 2015, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry recorded the submission made by senior counsel RS Khosla appearing for the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA).“Senior Counsel Mr RS Khosla, appearing for respondent GMADA, submits that one of the shorter routes, starting from Bawa White House, Mohali, to the Airport, is ready and shall be operational by May 31, 2026. Let the same be done,” the Bench observed in its order. The court added that the issue regarding the “shortest route”, proposed from the intersection of Sectors 47-48, Chandigarh, to the airport, would be considered on the next date of hearing on July 16.The development assumes significance as the PR-7 road has by and large remained the primary access route for traffic from Punjab and Haryana to the international airport in Mohali. The newly operational route is expected to substantially reduce travel distance and decongest existing traffic corridors.The latest order builds upon earlier proceedings in the long-pending public interest litigation initiated in 2015 by the Mohali Industries Association seeking better infrastructure, enhanced international connectivity and improved facilities at the airport.During earlier hearings, the Punjab Government had informed the High Court that an 8.5-km alternative road to the airport was under construction and targeted for completion by the end of the year. The State had then submitted before the Bench that the proposed 50-metre-wide road was being laid in accordance with the approved plan after the court sought details regarding progress on the long-discussed alternative access road.According to submissions made before the court, the shorter route was proposed to pass through the Sector 65-66 junction near Bawa White House and continue towards Sector 66-B, thereby cutting travel time for commuters approaching the airport from Chandigarh and Mohali sides.The High Court had also earlier been informed that a separate 18-foot-wide link road from Jagatpura village was being strengthened and that a substantial portion of the work had already been completed. The litigation has consistently highlighted concerns that inadequate connectivity and infrastructure at the airport were adversely impacting regional commerce and investment prospects across Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The petitioners have maintained that better road access and upgraded airport facilities were essential for developing Chandigarh International Airport into a full-fledged international aviation hub for the region.Senior advocate M.L. Sarin assisted the court as amicus curiae in the matter. The Centre was represented through Additional Solicitor-General Satya Pal Jain and senior government counsel Arun Gosain.