NHAI Chairman Assures Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora of immediate Action on Stalled Highway Projects in Punjab
Ludhiana(The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora met National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav in New Delhi on Monday and requested the extension of the National Highway for better connectivity between Ladhowal Bypass and the Delhi-Katra Expressway. He also urged the invitation of fresh tenders for the Ludhiana-Rupnagar projects and the remaining work of the Delhi-Katra Expressway Packages 8, 10, and 11.
In a press release issued on Monday, Arora said he brought to the NHAI Chairman’s attention the significance of the road connecting Ladhowal Bypass with the Delhi-Katra Expressway. He pointed out that this route is crucial for enhancing transportation and regional connectivity, facilitating smoother travel for residents and travellers alike. He informed the Chairman that the Punjab Government can provide land (the existing road along the canal) to the NHAI for the project. This initiative, he said, would significantly benefit the public and promote economic growth in the region.
Arora highlighted that the interchanges connecting the Delhi-Katra Expressway via Hambran Road and Ferozepur Road are located quite far from Ludhiana city, which poses challenges for accessibility and commuting. Improving connectivity in this region would benefit the community and support development efforts. He further apprised the NHAI Chairman that the community is ready to extend full cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of these projects for the overall welfare of the residents.
He said the NHAI Chairman assured him that the request for extending the NH to connect Ladhowal Bypass with the Delhi-Katra Expressway would be considered.
Arora also briefed the Chairman on the status of the two Ludhiana-Rupnagar packages (Package 1 and Package 2). He said Package 1 was assigned to GR Infraprojects Limited and Package 2 to Ceigall India Limited. However, the project assigned to GR Infraprojects Ltd has not progressed as expected and has been terminated, while Package 2 has been terminated by the NHAI. Arora emphasised that both projects are vital for the region’s growth and in the public interest.
Considering this, he urged the NHAI Chairman to consider inviting fresh tenders to ensure the timely execution and completion of these works in line with project timelines. He added that the NHAI Chairman assured him that fresh tenders would be floated for the Ludhiana-Rupnagar Projects (Package 1 and Package 2).
Arora also discussed the status of the Delhi-Katra Expressway project, noting that work on Packages 8, 10, and 11 remains at a standstill. M/s MKC (JV), the contractor, has been unable to commence or execute the work for an extended period. Given the strategic, economic, and religious importance of these projects for the region, he requested the NHAI to expedite the tendering process for the balance work.
Adding, Arora said the NHAI Chairman assured him that fresh tenders would be called for the remaining packages of the Delhi-Katra Expressway project.
Arora further stated that the NHAI Chairman also assured him of an upcoming visit to Punjab to personally review all these projects.