Chandigarh, October 15
Three important road links between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have been cleared for construction or upgradation by the Union Ministry of Surface Transport. These links are among the 11 road links, which Punjab have sought for economic development of areas close to state boundaries. The other eight links are likely to be approved, said officials concerned.
Since two of the approved roads are inter-state projects, a nod from the Union Ministry was required. A sum of Rs 8 crore is required for the construction of the road link to the Industrial township of Baddi in Himachal Pradesh. While the 6km stretch of the new road is to be built in Ropar district, Punjab, another 2 km falls in Panchkula district of Haryana and finally Himachal Pradesh would construct its remaining part. Haryana and Himachal Pradesh would bear the cost of the construction of road stretch falling in their respective jurisdiction.
This road was a long-standing demand of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Not only will the road link Baddi with the main Chandigarh-Ludhiana highway, it will also provide for a shorter link for people living between Punjab and Shimla. It would shorten the distance by about 20 km and travellers will be able to avoid the congested roads of Mohali, Chandigarh and Panchkula.
Another important project is the upgrade of the Hoshiarpur-Una road. About 17 km of the road stretch falling in Punjab is to be upgraded at a cost of Rs 5.84 crore. It is a crucial link between the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur area of Punjab and the Kangra valley in Himachal Pardesh. The road passes through a dense forest and seasonal rivulets where bridges are to be constructed or re-alignment of the road needs to be done. The road sees a huge rush during the tourist season and a large number of devotees of Mata Chintpurni in Himachal Pradesh use it.
The third link approved is the Bodh Chakki -Dhar road in Gurdaspur. This is a remote area and the existing road would be metalled to a width of 7 meters (about 23 feet) at a cost of Rs 1.94 crore.
Some of the eight other links demanded by Punjab connect the state with adjoining states. The proposals are at various stages of discussion. A portion of the expenses on the project has been provided by the Government of India as these roads are termed as “economic roads”, meaning these can have an impact on the economy of that area.
The eight road links are: Khanauri (Patiala)-Arno, Ranjit Sagar Dam (Gurdaspur)-Dhar via Hardosaran, Dunera Saliali-Lehronn, Bathinda-Talwandi Sabo-Sarduwala, and Talwandi Sabo-Sangha road.
Also Punjab has sought to widen and raise the level of Barnala-Mansa-Sardulwala-Sirsa road. It would take care of its portion falling in the state. It has also sought the improvement the Sardulgarh-Ratia road. The state needs to spend about Rs 25 crore on these eight roads.
