NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is poised to take drastic measures if the law and order situation in Punjab does not improve. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari issued a stern warning on Friday, stating that the NHAI might be forced to cancel or terminate eight more major highway projects in Punjab, amounting to a staggering Rs 14,288 crore. This ultimatum comes in response to escalating security issues and reports of violence affecting ongoing construction work.
Rising Security Concerns
The threat to cancel these highway projects follows disturbing incidents on the under-construction Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. Reports indicate that engineers and workers have been subjected to violent attacks, with engineers being beaten up in Jalandhar and threats made to burn down project camps and staff in Ludhiana. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of NHAI officers, contractors, and their personnel working on these critical infrastructure projects.
In his letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Gadkari expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation and its impact on ongoing highway projects. He emphasized that these projects, being greenfield corridors, are highly sensitive; the cancellation of even one package could render the entire stretch of the highway ineffective and unviable.
Safety and Land Acquisition Issues
Gadkari highlighted that apart from security concerns, the projects are also hindered by issues related to pending land acquisition. The road transport minister attached photographic evidence of the recent assaults in his communication to Mann, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The minister referenced a review meeting held on July 15, which he chaired, where assurances were made regarding the resolution of land acquisition and law and order issues. Despite these assurances, Gadkari noted that no significant progress has been observed and that the situation has, in fact, worsened.
Gadkari’s letter pointed out that the prevailing issues have led to several concessionaires requesting to foreclose their contracts and raising claims against the NHAI. This indicates a broader problem impacting not just the specific projects under immediate threat but also the overall execution of road infrastructure plans in the state.
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Previous Terminations and Pending Issues
The NHAI has already taken action by terminating three highway projects worth Rs 3,263 crore due to non-availability of land. This move reflects the authority’s zero-tolerance policy towards delays and disruptions that compromise the timely completion and effectiveness of infrastructure projects.
The termination of these additional eight projects would have significant repercussions for Punjab, affecting not only the local economy but also the broader connectivity and development goals of the state. The potential loss of Rs 14,288 crore in infrastructure investment underscores the urgency of addressing the law and order situation and resolving land acquisition challenges.
Government and Public Response
The response from Punjab’s state government to Gadkari’s ultimatum remains to be seen. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his administration will need to take immediate and effective measures to improve the security situation and facilitate the smooth progress of highway projects. This includes ensuring the safety of construction workers, addressing land acquisition issues promptly, and restoring investor confidence in the state’s infrastructure development programs.
In the broader context, Gadkari’s warning highlights the critical interplay between governance, law and order, and economic development. The resolution of these issues is essential not only for the immediate success of the highway projects but also for the long-term growth and development of Punjab.
The potential cancellation of major highway projects in Punjab serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in infrastructure development amid security and administrative hurdles. As the situation unfolds, the focus will be on how effectively the Punjab government can address these concerns to prevent further disruptions and safeguard the significant investments intended to enhance regional connectivity and development.
