Says; work to commence within a week
Chandigarh, March 21
Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Friday said that the construction of the much-awaited Railway Over Bridge (ROB) on the Harike-Jira-Bathinda section of NH 54 in Makhu will begin within a week. The Minister made this announcement in response to a question raised by MLA Naresh Kataria during the ongoing session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO stated that all necessary land acquisitions for the project have been completed and the construction contract has been awarded. He assured that the work will commence within a week, marking a significant step towards improving connectivity and safety in the region.
In response to another query by MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar regarding the construction of fourth leg of Chatiwind Canal, the Minister informed that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, has granted approval under the CRIF Scheme (2024-25) on January 5. Administrative approval was issued on March 10 and the tender process will be initiated shortly. Funds will be released in accordance with the progress of the work, he added.
Responding to a query by Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh regarding the construction of new chambers for lawyers in the Amritsar Court Complex, the Minister clarified that the proposal for constructing new chambers is to be undertaken by the lawyers themselves as per the Punjab Government Revenue Department’s notification dated November 11, 2002. The expenses for the construction will be borne by the Bar Association. The Minister assured that the matter will be taken up with the Revenue Department.
Responding to the query of MLA Karambir Singh, Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that the widening of a 23.65 km stretch from Sahaura Kandi to Pandori Atwal (Nangal Ghodewaha) from 10 feet to 18 feet, along with the installation of crash barriers along the canal side, has been awarded to a contractor in January 2025 at a cost of Rs. 1951.22 lakh. The necessary approvals from the Forest Department are being processed since August 2024 and the work will be completed within the stipulated time once approvals are secured.
Apart from this the Minister stated that the repair of a 15.00 km road from Mukerian Hydel Talwara to Sahora Kandi and a 22.60 km road from Pandori Atwal to Bassi Maruf is under consideration for inclusion under the Special Repair Program, with proposed execution in the fiscal year 2025-26.
The Minister reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring timely completion of projects for the benefit of the people.
