Destinations · Highways & Routes

Firsthand Report: Kurali to Chandigarh Airport Expressway Entry Points

This article provides a detailed update on the Kurali to Chandigarh Airport Expressway (NH-205A), highlighting that the Kurali side entry is not yet operational as of December 3, 2025.

The Ghulatis On The Go team embarked on a journey to provide a real-time update on the Kurali to Chandigarh Airport Expressway, also known as NH-205A. This new six-lane greenfield corridor is designed to connect Kurali directly to the Mohali Airport, promising a smoother and faster travel experience. The team's objective was to assess the current status of the expressway, particularly its accessibility from the Kurali side, following reports that it was scheduled to open on December 1, 2025.

Despite the anticipated opening, the team encountered significant challenges in accessing the expressway from Kurali. Their exploration revealed that while the expressway itself appears largely complete with proper signage and infrastructure, the entry and exit points from the Kurali side remain closed. This report aims to guide travelers, offering insights into the current situation and advising on alternative routes until full access is granted.

Initial Attempts to Access the Expressway

The journey began with the intention of entering the new six-lane greenfield corridor, NH-205A, from the Kurali side. The team had heard that the expressway was expected to open on December 1, 2025. However, upon reaching the designated entry points, they found them blocked. Large boulders were placed at the main entry, preventing any vehicles from getting onto the expressway. This initial observation immediately indicated that the expressway was not yet fully operational from this direction.

Undeterred, the team decided to explore alternative entry points. They attempted to access the expressway from what they described as the "wrong side," by taking a U-turn under a flyover after bypassing Kurali from the Rupnagar side. This route, typically used by traffic coming from Chandigarh, also proved to be inaccessible. Other vehicles were also observed attempting to find an entry, suggesting widespread confusion among drivers regarding the expressway's status.

Detailed Observations of the Expressway's Condition

Despite the lack of accessible entry points, the team managed to get a closer look at sections of the expressway. From their vantage point, the highway appeared to be in excellent condition, with all necessary infrastructure in place. This included clear road markings, streetlights, and even overhead signboards, which were fully installed and ready for use. The retaining walls along the expressway were also complete, indicating that the construction work was largely finished.

The team noted that the overall appearance of the expressway suggested it was 100% complete and ready for traffic. The 31-kilometer stretch, designed to connect Kurali to the Chandigarh Airport, seemed to be awaiting only its official opening. However, the continued closure of entry points, particularly from the Kurali side, pointed to a potential technical glitch or an administrative delay preventing its full launch.

Challenges and Alternative Routes

The repeated attempts to find an entry onto the expressway from the Kurali side were unsuccessful. Each potential access point was either barricaded with boulders or simply not yet connected to the main expressway. This situation led to frustration for the team and other drivers who were also trying to use the new route. The team emphasized that as of December 3, 2025, there was no open entry or exit from the Kurali side of the expressway.

Given these challenges, the team strongly advised travelers to avoid the new expressway from the Kurali side for the time being. Instead, they recommended using the traditional route that passes through Mohali to reach the Chandigarh Airport. This older route, while potentially longer or more congested, remains the reliable option until the new expressway is fully opened and accessible from all intended points.

Future Prospects and Recommendations

The team expressed their intention to revisit the Kurali to Chandigarh Airport Expressway once they receive confirmation of its full opening. They plan to provide a comprehensive video of the entire stretch, from Kurali all the way to the airport, once it becomes fully operational. This commitment underscores their dedication to keeping their audience informed about infrastructure developments that impact travel in the region.

In conclusion, the Ghulatis On The Go team's reconnaissance mission highlighted that while the Kurali to Chandigarh Airport Expressway (NH-205A) is physically complete and appears ready for use, it is not yet accessible from the Kurali side as of December 3, 2025. Travelers are advised to use existing routes to avoid inconvenience. The team will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as the expressway is fully opened to the public.

Practical Takeaways

  • As of December 3, 2025, the Kurali to Chandigarh Airport Expressway (NH-205A) is not open for entry or exit from the Kurali side.
  • The expressway appears to be fully constructed with all signage and infrastructure in place, suggesting a technical or administrative delay in its opening.
  • Attempts to access the expressway from various points on the Kurali side, including under flyovers and from the "wrong side," were unsuccessful due to barricades and incomplete connections.
  • Travelers planning to go from Kurali to Chandigarh Airport should continue to use the traditional route via Mohali.
  • The team plans to provide further updates once the expressway is officially opened and fully accessible from the Kurali side.

Watch the Original Journey

This article is connected to the original Ghulatis On The Go video below. Watch it for the complete visual experience and conversations from the road.

Key moments from the video

  • 00:17: The new six-lane greenfield corridor, NH-205A, from Kurali to Mohali Airport was expected to open on December 1, 2025.
  • 00:30: As of December 3, 2025, there was no entry available from the Kurali side of the expressway.
  • 01:43: The expressway is a 31-kilometer stretch connecting Kurali to Chandigarh Airport.
  • 02:15: The main entry point from the Kurali side was blocked with large boulders.
  • 02:53: The expressway has properly installed boards and infrastructure, indicating it is largely complete.
  • 03:55: The retaining walls of the expressway are complete, suggesting no pending construction work.
  • 05:15: A sign indicates an exit for Kurali 1 kilometer ahead, but the entry to the expressway from this side is not open.
  • 06:20: Traffic was observed jammed on the expressway, with people having entered from the airport side, but they were stuck due to the Kurali side being closed.