The North News
Chandigarh, October 27
Sanjeev Arora, Cabinet Minister of Punjab, held a high-level meeting on Sunday with the Chairman of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to review progress on major infrastructure projects and address pending issues across the state.
The meeting, attended by NHAI’s DGM (Technical) and other officials, focused on clearing administrative bottlenecks and expediting delayed works. Arora emphasised the urgent need to develop the three-kilometre approach road to Adampur Airport, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. He urged NHAI to take up the work immediately to ensure smooth airport connectivity.
The Ludhiana–Ropar highway, facing prolonged delays, was also reviewed. The minister called for re-tendering and fast-tracking of the project to avoid further slippage. He assured support in securing soil filling as per Punjab’s mining policy.
On the NHLML parking project, Arora raised concerns over bureaucratic delays. The NHAI Chairman instructed officials to clear approvals so work could begin without further hold-ups. He also expressed concern over the slow pace of the Ludhiana cycle track and directed the Regional Office Punjab to intervene and ensure timely completion.
The meeting addressed technical and funding issues impacting the Delhi–Katra highway, with the Chairman instructing the Regional Office to fix portal-related problems to ensure uninterrupted fund flows.
A detailed review of the Jalandhar–Amritsar highway was also held, with both sides agreeing on an accelerated plan to finish pending repairs and improve safety. With commercial operations at Halwara Airport expected soon, Arora stressed the need for robust road connectivity to benefit the Malwa region.
The minister also raised concerns over congestion near SPS Hospital and Sherpur, and incomplete works at Sidhwan bridges in Ludhiana. The NHAI Chairman assured swift completion of all pending tasks.
Arora further called for improved maintenance of highways, including timely repairs and restoration of street lighting for night-time safety. The NHAI Chairman assured priority action and appreciated the minister’s proactive approach.
The meeting concluded with an agreement for regular follow-ups to ensure fast implementation and resolution of technical, administrative and funding issues.
