HARJOT BAINS DIRECTS NHAI OFFICIALS TO ACCELERATE SRI KITARPUR SAHIB-NANGAL HIGHWAY PROJECT

• EM to take weekly review of four-laining of the Highway; Also directed officials to expedite land acquisition for dream project

Chandigarh, May 16:

In a bid to fast-track the much awaited the four-laning of the Sri Kiratpur Sahib-Nangal highway, Punjab Education Minister and MLA from Sri Anandpur Sahib, S. Harjot Singh Bains, directed the officials concerned to accelerate land acquisition for the project, while deciding to personally review the progress of the project on a weekly basis.

Presiding over a crucial meeting with senior officials from NHAI, MoRTH and PWD here at the Punjab Civil Secretariat-1, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised the significance of the Sri Kiratpur Sahib-Nangal highway’s four-laning project, terming it a ‘dream project’ that would greatly benefit the region.

Describing the highway’s importance, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that it serves as a vital link between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, particularly given the presence of revered sites such as Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi. He highlighted the pressing need for four-laning, citing the stretch’s notorious reputation as a ‘Killer Road’.

Notably, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains’ persistent efforts to expedite the Sri Kiratpur Sahib-Nangal highway project since 2022 have finally borne fruit. Following two meetings with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Sh. Nitin Gadkari, the project received formal approval in December 2024. With the completion of key formalities, including the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the project is set to move forward.

Highlighting another pressing concern, S. Harjot Singh Bains directed NHAI officials to promptly initiate work on the Bhartgarh-Bara Pind service lane link, a long-pending project that will greatly benefit local commuters and significantly improve road safety in the area.

He also asked NHAI officials to expedite the construction of a foot overbridge in village Sarsa Nangal, a long-pending demand of residents, to ensure their safety and convenience.