Indian Minister for Roads, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has issued a stern warning to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) may cancel eight major highway projects worth Rs 14,288 crore if law and order in the state does not improve.
The warning follows alarming reports of violence and intimidation related to the ongoing construction of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. The incidents include attacks on engineers and contractors in Jalandhar and threats by criminals in Ludhiana against project staff and facilities. Gadkari stressed the importance of these projects, pointing out that they are critical greenfield corridors. “Cancellation of even a single package could render the entire stretch ineffective,” the minister said. He attached photographic evidence of the recent attacks to underscore the urgency and cited serious security concerns for NHAI officials, contractors and their teams, as well as the ongoing challenges in land acquisition.
Reacting to Gadkari’s statement, AAP leader and Punjab minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused the Union minister of acting as part of a “well-planned strategy” and a “conspiracy”. Cheema stated, “Public order in Punjab is good. Industries are coming to Punjab and the state is progressing… I think the BJP hates Punjab.”
In a review meeting on July 15, Gadkari received assurances from stakeholders that issues related to land acquisition and law enforcement would be a priority. However, he expressed disappointment, noting, “No progress has been made and the situation has continued to deteriorate.” Gadkari added that unresolved issues in land acquisition and deteriorating public order have prompted several concessionaires to demand termination of their contracts, with some making claims against the NHAI. The authority has already terminated three projects worth Rs 3,263 crore due to land availability issues.
Earlier this year, Gadkari laid the foundation stone for 29 highway projects in Punjab worth Rs 4,000 crore. Responding to the letter, BJP vice-president and former MP from the state Arvind Khanna termed the withdrawal of the three national highway projects from Punjab as “regrettable”. He criticised the AAP government for failing to provide land and ensure better law and order, which led to contractors refusing to work. Khanna added that this failure reflected the government’s lack of experience and seriousness towards the development of the state.
Image source: HT
