CM to Gadkari: Direct NHAI to take over portion of NH-95 within MCL limit

Chandigarh, September 10, 2014: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari to seek his personal intervention for issuing directions to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take over the portion of NH-95 within the MC limit from the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana for its early improvement.  
In a letter addressed to Gadkari, the Chief Minister apprised him that NH-95 was being 4-laned from Chandigarh up to Samrala Chowk Ludhiana by NHAI. Request For Quote (RFQ) for this prestigious project had already been invited.  In addition to above NHAI has also taken up the work of 4-laning of Ludhiana- Ferozepur section on BOT basis and work at site was in progress.  However, it has been learnt that a portion of about 10.00 KMs of NH-95 from Samrala Chowk up to MC limit Ludhiana which was under jurisdiction of Municipal Corporation Ludhiana has not been included in these projects. There was heavy vehicular traffic on this portion of National Highway, which resulted in frequent traffic jams due to number of busy intersections such as Bhai Bala Chowk, Aarti Chowk, PAU gate no.1 and 2 etc.
Badal further informed the Union Minister that the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana did not have sufficient funds for improvement and maintenance of this National Highway within MC limits. Therefore, it would be appropriate if this stretch of about 10 Km was also handed over to NHAI for improvement. Moreover, it would also lead to continuity of jurisdiction of NH-95 under NHAI.  Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana was ready to handover this stretch to NHAI. The improvement of this portion would provide major traffic relief to the citizens of Ludhiana and enable commuters to enjoy full benefit of up-gradation of NH-95, the Chief Minister added.
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