MP Arora: Gadkari orders re-tendering of Southern Bye Pass & approval of parking lots alongside elevated road

Ludhiana, June 28, 2024: MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora met the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari in Delhi on Friday and took some important key issues related to this industrial city. He urged upon the Minister for expediting construction of parking along the elevated highway in the city, resumption of Ludhiana-Rupnagar Greenfield highway project and construction for Southern Ludhiana Bypass Greenfield Highway.

Minister immediately instructed his officers to retender Southern Bye Pass & also to approve parking slots all along the elevated road. However, he showed his displeasure on delay in getting possession from landlords of requisite land. 

Regarding expediting construction of parking along the elevated highway in Ludhiana, Arora urged upon the Minister to direct the NHAI authorities concerned to expedite the sanction and execution of parking facilities along the elevated highway in Ludhiana. He apprised the Minister that the lack of parking creates significant traffic congestion, and inconvenience for public at large. Also, the businesses along the roads are facing a great hit as their business goes down on account of customers not having parking facilities. He further apprised the Minister that a feasibility study has been done and enough place is available in-service road for needful to be done. He sought the Minister’s continued support in making Ludhiana a more sustainable and commuter-friendly city.

Regarding resumption of Ludhiana-Rupnagar Greenfield highway package 1 from km 0.000 to 37.700 km of NH-205K; and Ludhiana-Rupnagar Greenfield highway package 2 from km 37.700 to 66.700 and spur km 0.00 to 17.900 of NH-205K, Arora apprised the Minister that presently, construction of this project is stalled. He said this critical infrastructure project has been on hold for a significant period, hindering much-needed development in the region. He said he understood that concerns regarding land acquisition compensation have been raised by local landowners. While recognizing the importance of fair compensation, he urged the Minister to kindly direct the NHAI to reconsider the demands of the affected parties/landowners with the aim of reaching a mutually agreeable solution.

Minister has asked MP Arora to get fresh rates from collector to increase the compensation. Arora will take up with Deputy Commissioners involved on his return to Ludhiana after parliament session.

Arora apprised the Minister that the completion of greenfield highway packages will have a transformative impact on the region. The project will improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and give a boost to economic activity besides many other benefits to people. He opined that prioritizing the swift completion of these projects is in the best interest of Nation as a whole. He sought the Minister’s prompt intervention in the matter. He said exploring avenues for a revised compensation structure, which addresses the concerns of landowners while ensuring project viability, would be a positive step forward. He said he is confident that a solution can be reached that benefits all stakeholders.

Further, regarding resumption of construction for Southern Ludhiana Bypass Greenfield Highway (25.240 Kms), Arora sought the Minister’s urgent attention towards the stalled construction of this project, from kilometre 0.000 to 25.240. He pointed out that this six-lane greenfield highway project is crucial for the city of Ludhiana. It was envisioned to significantly decongest traffic within Ludhiana and enhance connectivity between rural and urban areas, positively impacting lakhs of commuters and business owners. He said he understood that there have been delays in acquiring the necessary land. However, it is important to note that a sizeable portion - nearly 80% (19.74 kilometres out of the total 25.240 kilometres) has already been handed over to the NHAI or the contractor. He urged the Minister to direct the NHAI to restore the project at the earliest possible time. At the same time, he assured the Minister that he will actively work with Punjab Government and district authorities to expedite the acquisition of any remaining land parcels. He hoped that the completion of this bypass will also significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel times, and boost economic activity in the region.

Arora highly thanked the Minister for taking positive decisions on the spot.