NHAI threatens to cancel 8 major highway projects in Punjab; Gadkari says 'improve law and order first'
PTC Web Desk: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a stark warning to the Punjab Government, stating that indicating that it may be forced to cancel eight significant highway projects valued at approximately Rs 14,288 crore due to the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari shot off an urgent letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhawant Mann in this regard on Friday.
The warning comes in the wake of escalating violence and intimidation linked to the construction of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, one of the most critical infrastructure projects currently underway in Punjab. The situation has reached a point where the safety of NHAI officials, engineers, contractors, and their teams is under serious threat.
Nitin Gadkari’s letter highlighted a series of alarming incidents, including attacks on engineers and contractors in Jalandhar and threats made by miscreants in Ludhiana against project staff and facilities. These events have not only stalled progress but also created an atmosphere of fear among those working on these vital projects.
The minister highlighted the importance of these highway projects, particularly the greenfield corridors, which are new, undeveloped stretches of land being transformed into highways. He warned that the cancellation of even a single project package could render the entire stretch ineffective, leading to substantial setbacks in the state’s infrastructure development.
Gadkari also expressed his deep concern over the ongoing challenges related to land acquisition, which have compounded the difficulties faced by the NHAI. He included photographic evidence of recent assaults on project personnel to underscore the severity of the situation, urging immediate action to address the threats and ensure the safety of all involved.
The current crisis marks a significant setback for Punjab’s infrastructure ambitions. At a review meeting held on July 15, Gadkari had received assurances from various stakeholders, including the Punjab Government, that issues related to land acquisition and law enforcement would be promptly addressed. However, despite these assurances, the situation has reportedly worsened, with no meaningful progress made in resolving the underlying issues.
The lack of resolution has led several concessionaires, who are responsible for executing these projects, to seek the termination of their contracts. They have also raised claims against the NHAI, further complicating the already challenging situation. Notably, the NHAI has already terminated three highway projects, collectively worth Rs 3,263 crore, due to unresolved land acquisition challenges, adding to the financial and logistical strain on the authority.
Gadkari had laid the foundation stones for 29 highway projects in Punjab in January this year, with an estimated total worth of Rs 4,000 crore. The potential cancellation of these projects represents a significant blow to the state’s infrastructure development plans and could have long-term repercussions for its economic growth.
- With inputs from agencies
