After the central government’s refusal of funds for the repair of Anandpur Sahib- Garhshankar-and Anandpur Sahib -Naina Devi Road, Punjab Government on Wednesday said it has shouldered the responsibility of providing relief to pilgrims and commuters by sanctioning Rs. 25 crore for the repair of these roads.
Vijay Inder Singla, PWD Minister Punjab said that before the Lok Sabha elections, the former MP from Anandpur Sahib Constituency, Prem Singh Chandumajra, in a bid to get public mileage, had invited the then Minister for Road Transport & Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari and got a foundation Stone laid in haste without obtaining the required administrative approvals from Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORT&H).
As a result, the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has backed away from providing funds for the repair of Anandpur Sahib- Garhshankar,16.77km and Anandpur Sahib -Naina Devi ,4.77km stretch of roads.
Singla said these roads are in a bad shape and are a source of inconvenience to the locals as well as pilgrims besides posing a constant threat to their safety. Heavily loaded tippers carrying weight of even up to 60 tonnes, ply on these roads thereby causing deep distress to the road surface. These roads lead to two very historic places namely Shri Anandpur Sahib and the holy Mata Naina Devi Mandir. Hence, to provide immediate respite to public, State Government has commenced the process of carrying out the repair work from its own funds, beginning with the floating of tender for the work on June 21, the minister said.
The tenders would be allotted by mid July and the work is likely to begin thereafter. “We will constantly monitor the repair work and ensure its completion within a year”, added Singla.