Cabinet Minister Mundian, MP Arora & MLA Sangowal lay foundation stone for upgrading road along with Sidhwan Canal 

Ludhiana, May 3: In a major boost to Ludhiana’s infrastructure, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora, along with Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and MLA Jiwan Singh Sangowal laid the foundation stone for upgradation of the Sidhwan Canal Road (left-hand side) from Ayali Bridge to Changan Bridge on Saturday.

The stretch, measuring 9.1 kilometers in length, is a key thoroughfare in the city and is flanked by numerous residential projects. The recarpeting work will be undertaken using External Development Charges (EDC) funds allocated by the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA).

Speaking at the ceremony, MP Sanjeev Arora said the total cost of the project has been estimated at Rs.7.30 crore. The work is scheduled to be completed within next four months. The work of the road included strengthening and overlay of existing road, provision of bituminous layers, road markings, signage, and improvement of safety features.

He emphasised the government's commitment to infrastructure development in Ludhiana, while Minister Mundian highlighted the positive impact the project will have on local residents and commuters. Arora said PWD (B&R) is the executing department and GLADA is the funding Agency.

Both Mundian and Arora highlighted the project's broader impact. “This road will transform accessibility, and enhance the quality of life for residents of Ludhiana and beyond,” they stated. The initiative aligns with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of elevating Ludhiana into a world-class city through enhanced road infrastructure and sustainable urban development. 

Mundian and Arora reiterated the government's commitment to timely execution. “With a few-month timeline and a five-year maintenance guarantee, the government is ensuring accountability and high-quality materials,” they added. This road marks another milestone in Punjab’s on-going efforts to modernize urban road infrastructure.

MLA Jiwan Singh Sangowal thanked Mundian and MP for launching the project and added that the commuters will have a sigh of relief.

On march 16 this year Arora, along with his team members, CA GLADA Sandeep Kumar and officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), had visited the Link Road along Sidhwan Canal (LHS) from Ayali Bridge to Changan Bridge to assess its condition.

During the visit, MP Arora had noticed that the road is a severely dilapidated state, riddled with large and small potholes, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. With over ten residential colonies situated along this route, the ISKCON Janpath Temple is also located here, attracting a large number of devotees daily.  Both residents and devotees have raised concerns about the heavy traffic and the urgent need for repairs. 

Responding to the grievances of the locals, MP Arora had directed the concerned officials to expedite the repair work. He had instructed them to prepare an estimate and ensure the road is relaid at the earliest.

During his visit to the site on March 16, Arora had stated that "The condition of this road is unacceptable. Thousands of commuters use this stretch daily, and immediate action is necessary. I have directed the officials to prioritise its repair without any delay."