Ludhiana:
Although Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari directed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to invite fresh tender and re-award the work of resumption of Construction for Southern Ludhiana Bypass Greenfield Highway but he also asked MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora to take up the matter with state government for land acquisition.
Earlier the tender for the construction of 25.240 kms Southern Ludhiana Bypass Greenfield Highway project was earlier withdrawn as farmers refused to give possession of their land for the highway project.
However, MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora had written a letter to Gadkari bringing his attention towards the stalled construction of this highway project urging him for resumption of construction works.
Now, in response to Arora’s letter, Gadkari wrote that he has got the matter examined and would like to inform him that the project was already awarded by NHAI, however, the work could not be started due to unavailability of minimum required possession of land for declaration of Appointed Date, even after a year of award. Hence, the LOA was withdrawn on the request of Bidder.
Further, Gadkari mentioned in his letter that “I have directed NHAI to take prompt action for inviting fresh tender and re- awarding the work, which would otherwise may not be feasible if the possession of land is not ensured timely by the State Government. Hence, I would suggest you take up the matter with the State Government of Punjab to extend due cooperation to NHAI for expeditious land acquisition, so that the work can be started.”
Earlier, Arora had apprised Gadkari that this six-lane greenfield highway project is crucial for the city of Ludhiana. It was envisioned to significantly decongest traffic within Ludhiana and enhance connectivity between rural and urban areas, positively impacting lakhs of commuters and business owners.
Further, Arora had apprised the Minister that he understands that there have been delays in acquiring the necessary land. However, it is important to note that a sizable portion – nearly 80% (19.74 kilometres out of the total 25.240 kilometres) has already been handed over to the NHAI or the contractor.
Given the substantial progress made in land acquisition, Arora urged the Minister to take immediate action to ensure the resumption of construction on this critical project. He had requested the Minister to direct the NHAI to restore the project at the earliest possible opportunity. He had assured the Minister that he would actively work with the State Government and district authorities to expedite the acquisition of any remaining land parcels.
Meanwhile, Arora has highly appreciated Gadkari and thanked him for acceding to his request and directing the NHAI to re-invite tenders for the stalled project. He hoped that the completion of this bypass will significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and boost economic activity in the region. He believed that it is in the best interest.