PWD minister reviews road network leading to Sri Anandpur Sahib
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Taking a proactive step ahead of the forthcoming 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO today directed officials to ensure a safe and convenient passage of the Nagar Kirtans being organised across the state.
The PWD Minister reviewed the entire road network leading to Sri Anandpur Sahib and sought a first-hand report on the condition of National Highways and key connecting routes during the meeting held at Punjab Roads and Bridges Development Board, SAS Nagar. He assessed the road network forming part of the Nagar Kirtan routes across Punjab in connection with the sacred commemorations.
The Cabinet Minister informed that the routes of Nagar Kirtan had already been shared with all concerned departments for immediate and coordinated action. The PWD Minister was apprised that bids for repair and maintenance works had been invited and that all projects would be completed well in time for the sacred procession.
S. Harbhajan Singh ETO sought a first-hand status report on the condition of National Highways connecting major routes from the Punjab - Jammu & Kashmir border to Dasuya, Gurdaspur to Amritsar, Kapurthala to Sri Anandpur Sahib via Banga and Balachaur, Talwandi Sabo to Banur via Bathinda, Barnala, Sangrur, Patiala and Faridkot to Sirhind via Ferozepur, Moga, Jagraon, Ludhiana, Khanna and Banur to Sri Anandpur Sahib via Kurali and Rupnagar.
The Cabinet Minister directed officials to ensure that service roads along these stretches are properly maintained, as the Nagar Kirtans will primarily use service lanes during the processions. Project Directors of NHAI submitted that in most areas the roads were in good condition and assured that all repair works including pavement markings, signage and highway lighting would be completed on schedule.
Harbhajan Singh ETO instructed that every measure must be taken to ensure safe and convenient passage of the Nagar Kirtans. He said that all roadside pucca drains should be cleaned to prevent waterlogging and covered with precast slabs to avoid mishaps. The PWD Minister also directed that overhead and side electricity transmission lines along the routes should be raised to a safe height to prevent any untoward incidents.
He further directed that pruning of tree branches along the routes should be carried out on priority. He asked PWD engineers to maintain close coordination with all stakeholders including NHAI, MoRT&H, PSPCL, PSTCL, drainage and forest departments and other related agencies to ensure smooth movement of the Nagar Kirtans.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Joint Secretary, Public Works, Sh. Amarbir Sidhu, Engineer-in-Chief Sh. Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineers Sh. Ramtesh Bains and Sh. Anil Gupta along with other senior PWD (B&R) officers. Project Directors of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) were also present.