Chandigarh, November 9
Punjab Public Works and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has said that to further strengthen the road infrastructure and improving connectivity in the state for realizing the ‘Rangla Punjab’ mission as envisioned by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, works of 24 bridges have been approved under NABARD-28 project at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore.
Disclosing this here today, Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that under this project, new bridges would be constructed in the rural areas of the state besides replacing the old bridges with new one as required. Due to this, the travel distances will reduce and will afford better facility of travel for the public. He said that this work of upgradation of rural roads is being undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD) with the financial assistance from NABARD.
Revealing more about the project, the Public Works Minister said that 16 works have been allotted through e-tenders in a transparent manner. He said that the estimated cost of these 16 allotted works was Rs 35.42 crore and due to healthy competitive bidding among contractors, these works were allotted for Rs 29.95 crore. He said that due to confidence of bidders in transparency and efficiency in the systems adopted by the government there has been a saving of Rs 5.47 crore (about 15%). He said that the process of allotting the remaining works was also in the pipeline.
Referring to the zero tolerance of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government towards any laxity or corruption in the construction works, Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said it has not only inspired confidence amongst contractors but also boosted the morale of honest officials and employees. He said that the department is contributing to the progress of the state by ensuring regular upgrading of the rural infrastructure.
