Finish road projects in stipulated time, CM urges NHAI

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 22

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today asked SS Sandhu, CMD of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to ensure time-bound completion of various ongoing projects in the state. Sandhu called on the Chief Minister here.

He said that detailed project reports (DPRs) should be prepared in such a way that they minimise damage to the ecology. He added that special thrust should be laid on the time-bound completion of the Pathankot-Mandi and Kangra-Shimla highway widening projects keeping in view the traffic volume. Adequate funds should be made available for the construction of the Baddi-Pinjore National Highway.

Thakur said that the work on the Kaithlighat-Shimla road widening project should also be expedited. He added that focus should be laid on the approval of awards and providing compensation to the affected parties.

He said that adequate compensation should be provided for damage to the buildings and other infrastructure due to the construction of the national highways. He also raised the issue of the non-payment of dues for the works done by the contractors on the Kiratpur-Mandi road project. He said package-wise targets should be given to the construction companies so that the works could be completed at the earliest.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the delay in the construction of the Manali bridge. He said that this bridge was the lifeline of the Atal Tunnel and important from tourism as well was strategic point of view. He added that the maintenance of the national highways, particularly between Mandi-Pandoh-Kullu, should be ensured.

Sandhu said that compensation had been released for the Baddi-Pinjore National Highway. The work on the Baddi-Kurali National Highway project would be taken up soon. He added that the issue regarding the maintenance of the national highways would be resolved soon, as funds would either be provided to the state PWD or would be maintained by the NHAI.