Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday directed the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) to expedite all developmental works in the state.
The directions were issued during PIDB’s meeting, which gave ex-post-facto approval to Rs 27.16 cores of urban environment improvement projects, along with development, upgradation and maintenance of various historic sites, including the Patiala Qila Mubarak.
Also, the Chief Minister is likely to virtually launch, next week, Rs 8.58 crore project for upgradation, operation, and maintenance of Ran Baas, Qila Mubarak Patiala, as Heritage Hotel on PPP mode, which is likely to be completed within 18 months.
The CM will also launch the PPP project for operational and maintenance of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial, Chhappar Chiri, at an estimated cost of Rs 2.54 crore with a concession period of 15 years.During the meeting, the CM was informed that the construction of the Patiala Bus Stand had commenced and would be completed by November this year at a cost of Rs 60 crore.Discussing the renovation of Amritsar Circuit House at an estimated cost of Rs 3.94 crore, the CM, also asked the Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan to work on a proposal to appoint a Protocol Officer to manage the large number of dignitaries visiting the holy city.
He asked the Chief Secretary to present the proposal before the next meeting of the Council of Ministers.Besides giving post-facto approval to the Cabinet’s decision to impose Special ID at the rate of 25 paisa on petrol, diesel and immoveable property, the Board meeting also formally approved Rs 27.16 crore worth of projects under Urban Environment Improvement Programme Phase I and II, as well as Raising of Term Loans from Banks for funding UEIP Phase-II projects.