Punjab Government Pledges Completion of NHAI Projects, Says Minister Harbhajan Singh

Punjab's Minister for Public Works and Power, Harbhajan Singh, reaffirmed the state's commitment to completing National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects, following concerns raised by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Speaking in Moga, Singh assured that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has personally intervened to address and resolve all outstanding issues related to these projects.

Singh dismissed claims of land acquisition problems and stated that necessary lands would be acquired and transferred to NHAI promptly. This reassurance comes after Gadkari's recent letter expressing concerns over the delay and law and order issues affecting eight major highway projects in Punjab, totaling 293 km and costing Rs. 14,288 crore.

Gadkari's letter highlighted recent violent incidents on the Delhi-Katra Expressway projects, including assaults on contractors and threats to project staff. He noted that unresolved land acquisition issues and safety concerns have led several contractors to seek contract terminations, with the NHAI already terminating three projects valued at Rs 3,263 crore.

Newly appointed Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has also emphasized the importance of completing central projects without delay and urged officials to report any issues in writing for swift resolution.

ET