Efforts of Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal Yield Positive Outcome
North News
Chandigarh/Jalandhar, November 28
In a key development for residents and farmers in the Ajnala area, NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal announced that the Indian Army has committed to widening the Ajnala Road. The road, currently 5.5 meters wide, will be expanded to 7 meters, addressing long-standing traffic congestion issues in the region.
The 72-kilometer stretch of road, which falls under Army jurisdiction, has often been a bottleneck, particularly during cane harvesting season when traffic jams are common due to overloaded crop trolleys. Minister Dhaliwal, speaking at the 11 Corps Headquarters in Jalandhar Cantt, confirmed that after raising the issue with the Ministry of Defence, Army officials, led by Lieutenant General Ajay Chandpuria, conducted an on-site review and assured that the widening work will begin in 2025.
The Minister also requested that the Army consider expanding the road to 10 meters in certain areas, particularly in the cane-producing belt, to facilitate smoother traffic flow. “This project will enhance connectivity and provide much-needed relief to farmers, residents, and troops in the border region,” Dhaliwal said.
The road improvement is expected to alleviate congestion, especially during the harvest and procurement seasons, benefiting local farmers and communities. The project also includes discussions on a potential Ajnala Byepass, which could further improve regional connectivity.
The 72-km road passes through several towns, including Ajnala, Lopoke, Sohal, Talwandi Raidadu, Punga, and Bhindi Saida, serving as a vital link for border communities. The Minister thanked Army officials for their positive response and swift action on this critical infrastructure issue.
