Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli inaugurated the construction of new roads and streets in the Lahori Gate area today, launching a project worth Rs 66 lakh. This initiative aims to restore roads that were excavated by L&T for the installation of pipelines to provide a continuous canal water supply.
Kohli noted that the restoration work is progressing swiftly and will be completed soon. Key officials present at the inauguration included Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr. Rajat Oberoi, Joint Commissioner Deepjot Kaur, and XEN Water Supply Vikas Dhawan.
The new roadwork will enhance several important areas in Lahori Gate, such as Chicka Wali Gali, Karkhas Colony, Mahajan Gali, Chanan Dogra, and Mahashian Wali Gali near Division No. 4. Kohli mentioned that it has been nearly 25 years since these streets were last rebuilt.
Reflecting on the city’s development, Kohli stated that while previous governments referred to Patiala as a power hub, actual progress has often been limited to mere promises. Local residents expressed gratitude for Kohli’s proactive approach to addressing their concerns.
After the inauguration, Kohli met with officials from L&T and the Water Supply Department to assess the road repair progress. He instructed L&T to speed up the remaining work, stressing that no delays would be accepted. Kohli also announced that construction on the road from Thikriwala Chowk to YPS Chowk would commence next week, with work in Ablowal starting in two days.
He added that the roads were dug up by L&T as part of the Rs 288 crore surface water project, with Rs 15.60 crore designated for road construction. The reconstruction will ensure that the new roads match the original quality.
Recently, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh disclosed that L&T has been fined Rs 9.50 crore for delays in the canal water supply project. However, he assured residents that the project would be operational by December 2025.