Minister Sanjeev Arora meets NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav to expedite Punjab’s key highway, airport, and connectivity projects across the state.
Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora met extensively with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairman, Shri. Santosh Kumar Yadav, along with the DGM (Technical) and other NHAI officials, to discuss the progress made and to address outstanding infrastructure problems throughout Punjab.
Beginning by highlighting the urgent need to develop the roughly three-kilometer approach area near Adampur Airport, Minister Arora noted that this stretch is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and that NHAI must take it up right away to ensure safe and effective airport connectivity. Discussions also centered on the Ludhiana–Ropar highway project, where the minister emphasized the need to fast-track and re-tend the project in order to finish long-pending work without additional slippage and pointed out notable execution delays. For projects in accordance with the Punjab Government Mining Policy, Arora pledged to assist in obtaining soil filling.’
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After Minister Arora brought attention to the bureaucratic difficulties that have delayed the NHLML parking project’s tender and construction, the NHAI Chairman promptly instructed NHLML authorities to provide the required clearances so that work could start as soon as possible. Concerned about the Ludhiana cycle track’s sluggish development, the Minister called on the Regional Office (RO) Punjab to provide more oversight and direct intervention to guarantee that NHAI’s pilot project is finished on time for the benefit of cyclists and commuters.
Frequent fund-release and portal issues impacting the Delhi-Katra highway were also discussed at the meeting. Minister Arora emphasized that technical issues with the central funds portal are impeding work and creating financial uncertainty. The Chairman gave the RO Punjab instructions to promptly resolve any portal-related issues and guarantee continuous fund flows.
The Jalandhar–Amritsar roadway was thoroughly examined, and both parties came to an agreement on expedited action plans to resolve outstanding issues and enhance traffic flow and safety. Minister Arora emphasized the significance of strong road connectivity to Halwara Airport, which is expected to host commercial operations soon, in order to meet the transportation demands of the whole Malwa region. NHAI promised coordinated planning to give priority to approaches and access roads.
The NHAI Chairman promised to expedite the remaining work to ease congestion and restore normal traffic movement after the Minister brought attention to the ongoing traffic jams surrounding SPS Hospital and Sherpur, pointing out that unfinished projects are causing daily traffic jams and annoyance to locals. After a thorough discussion of the Sidhwan bridges, all parties urged that the remaining work be finished right away to guarantee structural stability and continuous connectivity for Ludhiana’s local populations.
In order to increase road safety at night, Minister Arora also pushed for better routine maintenance of Punjab’s NHAI roadways, including promptly repairing surfaces and restoring and maintaining street lights. The Chairman of the NHAI thanked Minister Arora for his proactive involvement and dedication to Punjab’s growth and connectivity, and he categorically assured concerned regional officials that all issues expressed by the Minister will be addressed as a priority.
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At the end of the conference, it was decided to conduct frequent monitoring and follow-ups to guarantee prompt decision execution and rapid resolution of funding, administrative, and technological barriers.