Punjab to have 3-year plan for upgradation of roads

Chandigarh, June 15 (UNI) The Punjab government has decided that the PWD (B&R) would prepare a three-year plan for the upgrade and strengthening of all the roads in the state to avoid any type of delay in utilisation or lapse of funds under centrally-sponsored road projects.

The decision in this regard was taken in a high level meeting of the PWD officers held under the chairmanship of PWD Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa.

The Minister directed the officers to workout the modalities in this regard. He also said that the time span of this new plan could be extended up to five years as per the suitability.

While addressing the meeting, the Minister categorically made it clear that he himself would monitor the progress of various projects every month. He also directed that everyone should act in a responsive manner for the timely completion of all the road projects in larger public interest.

He reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to build world class infrastructure in the state. He said that Rs 70 crore had been approved under Central Road Fund by the Union Government for the current year, out of which Rs 14.42 crore had been released. He further informed that Centre had also been requested to release Rs 100 crores for Punjab to clear the backlog of the previous year.

Regarding the timely completion of the works, the Minister said that all the eight works under this scheme would be completed by September end.

These projects are Bhawanigarh-Sunam- Bhikhi-Kotshamir Road (26.72 KM), Patran-Moonak-Tohana Road (22.18 KM), Mukatsar-Malout Road (29.05 KM) (all roads are as double in works), Amritsar-Bhikhi-Khemkaran Road (16.85 KM) and Harike-Khalara Road (43 KM).

The Minister also informed that under PMGSY, 102 works having road length of 1252 kM had been approved, remaining 16 works of 163 kM length were yet to get the Centres approval and cost of this project was of Rs 542 crore. Mr Dhindsa further said that 60 road works had been started and the rest would be taken up soon.

UNI