Punjab CM discusses highways projects with Baalu

New Delhi, May 04 (UNI) The Centre has so far sanctioned Rs 304 crore to Punjab under the Central Road Fund (CRF) scheme while another Rs 30 crore could be further sanctioned to the state on the basis of the present status of utilisation.

This was conveyed by Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister T.R. Baalu to Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, who called on him here today to discuss various issues relating to development of highways in the state.

On the Chief Minister's request for four-laning of NH-64 from Patiala to Sangrur, Mr Baalu said his ministry had already sanctioned consultancy services for four-laning of NH-64 from Zirakpur to Bahadurgarh.

''The contract for the work has been awarded. The execution is proposed to be taken up on the BOT basis,'' he said.

Mr Badal requested the minister to consider four-laning of the remaining portion of Patiala to Bhatinda section also.

He also sought additional funds for Domoria Bridge, which was sanctioned under the CRF. The bridge is to be constructed at an estimated expenditure of Rs.26.11 crore with the ministry's share of Rs 20.11 crores.

Mr Baalu asked officials of his ministry officials and of the Punjab government to find out avenues for making available the funds.

Mr Badal further requested that the remaining portion of road construction work from Talwandi Bhai to Ferozepur on NH-95 be included in the project under NHDP-III. The minister assured that he would look into it.

With regard to the Pathankot-Jalandhar section of NH-1A, the ministry officials pointed out that land acquisition was major problem. Mr Baalu urged the Chief Minister to direct the State PWD to help in expediting the land acquisition.

UNI