Work of relaying of roads by PSIEC in 4 Phases of Focal Points Areas almost completed: MP Arora

Ludhiana, June 24, 2024: Industrialists running their industrial units in the local Focal Point areas have felt a sigh of relief as most of the work of relaying 14.12-km-long roads in four phases at the cost of Rs 25.2 crore has been completed. These works have been done by the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC) after funds for the same were released by Punjab Government with initiative and intervention of MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora. 

Since Arora took over as MP (Rajya Sabha) he has been making concrete and sincere efforts for revamping of the roads in the focal point areas. Not only the industrialists were approaching him personally for relaying these roads, but many industrial organisations were also approaching him with the same demand. The city industrialists were of opinion that basic infrastructure such as better roads in the city, particularly in focal point areas, is the major requirement to give a push to industry and trade. Arora was apprised that local industries were suffering badly due to pathetic condition of the roads in focal point areas. The condition was worst during the rainy days. 

Further, Arora was also apprised that sometimes patch work was done on the roads, but these were of no use. Then Arora suggested to officials concerned to find out a long-term solution to the problem. Then, it was decided to relay the roads with concrete. As such, the roads have now been constructed with concrete. These roads are called CC roads, which are more durable due to its strength. A CC road has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years and requires minimal maintenance.

In a statement here today, Arora made available present work status of these roads. He said 100 per cent work of construction of the roads has been completed in Focal Point (Phase 5) at a cost of Rs.8.7 Crore. Similarly, 100 per cent work has been completed in Phase 6 at a cost of Rs.1.76 Crore, Phase 8 at cost of Rs.5.68 Crore, 34 Acre Pocket (part of Phase 8) at a cost of Rs.2.01 Crore and near Highway Industry (Part of Phase 7) at a cost of Rs.0.67 Crore. However, 80 per cent work in Phase 5 (Jeevan Nagar) has been completed. Of the total amount worth Rs.25.2 Crore earmarked for these six tasks, Rs.23.924 Crore have been spent. The remaining 5 per cent work worth Rs.1.25 Crore of construction of roads is pending.   

Arora said the officials concerned have apprised him that out of the six tasks, five have been completed, and the remaining 20 per cent task is incomplete. The delay in the work at Jeevan Nagar (Phase 5) is due to forest and optical cable issues, which have now been resolved. Therefore, the remaining work is expected to be completed by the end of this month. 

Expressing his satisfaction over the work, Arora said the relayed CC roads have changed look of Focal Point altogether. He said the newly relayed roads have given a new lifeline to the industrial units located in the area. He said all these works have been completed with personal interest taken by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann who has a great vision for watching interest of the industry in the state. He said his efforts would continue not only to improve the existing infrastructure but also to create new infrastructure in the city.