Punjab Governor and UT-Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Monday convened a high-level review meeting focusing on the progress of critical central infrastructure projects in the state. Kataria issued a firm directive to all involved agencies to ensure the timely completion of central projects across Punjab and Chandigarh.
The meeting brought together senior officials from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Railways, Airport Authority of India (AAI), and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to discuss the status and challenges of ongoing projects.
Emphasizing the importance of these initiatives, he stressed that any obstacles encountered during implementation should be immediately reported in writing. “If there is any problem or issue in the implementation of any project, it should be informed immediately in writing so that such issues can be resolved on a priority basis with the help of the Central and State Governments,” said Kataria, highlighting his commitment to removing any roadblocks that could delay progress.
The Governor’s instructions were clear: any delay in these crucial projects would not be tolerated, and proactive measures should be taken to address issues before they escalate. He also announced that review meetings would be held every three months to monitor the progress of these projects. Additionally, he requested regular written updates from the concerned departments to ensure continuous oversight.
The meeting also addressed specific infrastructural concerns that have significant implications for the region. One such issue was the heavy traffic congestion in Chandigarh, which has long plagued the city. In response, officials from the NHAI presented their plans to alleviate this problem through the construction of National Highways connecting Panchkula to Shimla and Majri to Baddi. These highways are expected to divert a substantial portion of traffic away from Chandigarh, thereby reducing congestion and improving overall traffic flow.
Kataria also brought up the strategic importance of Udaipur-Chandigarh-Jammu route, recognizing these cities as key tourism hubs. He urged the Railway officials to develop a proposal for running the Jammu-Tawi train on a daily basis, which would not only enhance connectivity but also boost tourism and economic activities in the region. The progress of new Amrit stations and additional railway lines was also reviewed, with the Governor underscoring their potential to improve transportation infrastructure across Punjab.
The meeting also focused on the upcoming infrastructure developments related to air travel. AAI officials provided updates on the proposed road that would directly link Chandigarh to the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. The new route, expected to reduce the travel distance by 10 kilometers, is seen as a critical enhancement to the region's accessibility and will significantly benefit travelers.
BSNL officials also briefed the Governor on their ongoing projects aimed at improving telecommunications infrastructure. The Governor expressed his expectations for these projects to be completed swiftly, given their importance in ensuring reliable communication services across the region.
