CM asks for time bound completion of various highway projects

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur asked the CMD of National Highway Authority of India to ensure time bound completion of various on-going highway projects in the State. CMD, NHAI S.S. Sandhu called on Chief Minister here today.

Chief Minister said that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) must be prepared in such a way that they minimize the damage to the ecology. He said that special thrust must be laid on time bound completion of Pathankot-Mandi and Kangra-Shimla four lane project keeping in view the inflow of traffic on these roads. He said that adequate funds must be made available for construction of Baddi-Pinjore National Highway.

Jai Ram Thakur said that work on Kaithlighat Shimla four lane project must also be expedited. He said that special thrust must be laid on approval of awards and for providing of compensation to the affected parties. He said that adequate compensation must also be provided for damage to the buildings and other infrastructures due to construction of national highways. He also raised the issue of non payment of works done by contractors on Kiratpur-Mandi four lane project. He suggested for package wise targets to be given to construction companies so that work could be completed at the earliest.

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

CMD NHAI S.S. Sandhu said that compensation has been released for Baddi-Pinjore National Highway. He said the work on National Highway Project from Baddi-Kurali would be taken in hand soon. He said that issue regarding maintenance of National Highways would be resolved soon, as funds would either be provided to State PWD or the same would be maintained by NHAI. He also urged the Chief Minister to direct the CALA for expediting the land acquisition process so that tenders could be floated soon.

Additional Chief Secretary PWD  J.C. Sharma, Engineer-in-Chief PWD Lalit Bhushan and other senior officers of PWD were present on the occasion.

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