Sluggish project work has hit local businesses: Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj

Kangra MP Rajiv Bhardwaj has expressed his dissatisfaction over the slow pace of the construction of the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane project. He recently inspected various places to take stock of the construction work which, according to him, was not up to the mark. He gave strict instructions to the authorities concerned to speed up the work, while stating that he would henceforth monitor the progress on a regular basis.

Talking to The Tribune after inspecting vulnerable spots on the National Highway, Bhardwaj said, “I have conveyed my complete displeasure with the pace and quality of work to officials of the National Highways Authority of India. I have asked them to speed up the work and construct protection walls. There are specific spots where landslides due to the four-lane construction have endangered nearby habitations, especially on the Kotla-Soldha road.”

The MP also asked National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials to immediately complete work at the Jassur market so that residents could get relief from clouds of dust which had been troubling for over two years now.

Taking cognisance of the state of affairs, he instructed the Nurpur, Jawali and Shahpur SDMs to take steps to ensure safety of the native population.

Jawali SDM Vichitra Singh, NHAI Project Director Vikas Surjewala, former panchayat pradhan Yograj Mehra, BJP office-bearer Pradeep Sharma and panchayat representatives were among those present during the MP’s visit.

Bhardwaj recently held a review meeting with officials of the NHAI, representatives of the highway construction firm and SDMs of Nurpur, Jawali and Shahpur regarding the four-lane project. The meeting focused on the slow progress of phase-1 construction on the road heading from Kandwal to Bherkhud.

Bhardwaj flayed the main contractor — IRB Infrastructure Developers Limited — for sub-letting work to a local firm that failed to meet deadlines. He pointed out that delays had severely impacted daily lives of Jassur residents and shopkeepers. The poor maintenance of the service lane and pollution from dust arising from the construction site had created significant health concerns for those living or working under the unfinished flyover.

Addressing the media, Bhardwaj emphasised the need for urgent action, while instructing NHAI officials and construction representatives to complete the project at a faster pace. He highlighted the adverse effects of delays, while stating that sluggish construction was ruining local businesses and contributing to health hazards.

Bhardwaj also raised concerns about a broken road at Trilokpur in Jawali, which he said was a serious issue. While stressing on maintaining service lanes at Jassur, he warned that officials concerned would be held accountable for any further delays in work.