Minister Sanjeev Arora reviews NHAI, Health, Education, Sports, Power, and MC Projects in Ludhiana

• Arora proposes footover and two-wheelers bridge near bus stand, orders study on rainwater harvesting in Ludhiana Parks
• Two Sidhwan Canal bridges to be completed by August 15, confirms Arora
• Ludhiana to start DNA testing next week to verify child beggars’ relationships with adults

Ludhiana, July 18, 2025 Industry & Commerce, Investment Promotion, and NRI Affairs Minister Sanjeev Arora announced that the terminal building of Halwara Airport will be virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27. 
Presiding over a high-level review meeting at Bachat Bhawan, Arora confirmed that the Airports Authority of India, in collaboration with the district administration, has been finalizing preparations for the inauguration. The terminal will be dedicated to the public on July 27, with Air India to announce flight commencement dates thereafter.

During the meeting, Arora proposed the construction of a pedestrian and two-wheeler overpass near the bus stand to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety. He directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to submit a detailed report on the proposal. Additionally, he reviewed the progress of four bridges on the Sidhwan Canal, stating that two will be completed by August 15, with the remaining two by September. Arora warned that penalties would be imposed on the concerned agency for any delays beyond these deadlines.

To address environmental concerns, Arora instructed the Municipal Corporation (MC) to conduct a feasibility study for installing rainwater harvesting systems in all city parks where ever possible. These systems aim to conserve water and recharge groundwater, helping to combat the depleting water table in Ludhiana.

Arora also discussed traffic management with Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma, focusing on peak-hour congestion and traffic issues outside schools. Sharma informed the minister that schools have been directed to appoint at least 10 traffic marshals to manage peak-hour traffic. Additionally, Police Control Room (PCR) units and local police stations have been tasked with addressing traffic issues in their jurisdictions. Sharma also briefed Arora on the Commissionerate Police’s efforts under the Yudh Nashya Virudh campaign to combat drug-related issues.

The minister reviewed several NHAI projects, including the Ludhiana-Bathinda Highway, missing links on the Ludhiana-Kharar Highway, Ludhiana-Ropar connectivity, parking lots along the Elevated Highway, beautification under the Elevated Highway, Vehicle Underpasses (VUPs) on Jalandhar Bypass and Dhandari Kalan, and a cycle track along the highway. Other projects discussed included upgrades to the Civil Hospital, the new ESIC Medical College, Halwara International Airport, and development works in government schools. Arora emphasized the importance of completing all projects within their designated timelines and urged officials to promptly resolve any administrative challenges.

Arora assured Civil Hospital officials that he would address pending fund issues by coordinating with the Health Minister. He also confirmed that funds for school development projects would be released in August, encouraging officials to report any additional funding needs for the Civil Hospital’s up-gradation.

In a significant announcement, Arora revealed that a power infrastructure project to strengthen electricity supply in Ludhiana and surrounding areas will commence in this October, with tenders already floated. He prioritized the removal of dangling wires across the city, citing safety hazards and aesthetic concerns, and directed telecom operators and cable companies to clear their wires promptly.

Arora also reviewed sports-related development projects, including the establishment of a new gym at Guru Nanak Stadium. He commended the District Commissioner for progress on various fronts and urged swift resolution of any administrative bottlenecks.

In a separate initiative to address social concerns, Arora announced that DNA testing to verify the relationship between child beggars and accompanying adults will begin next week in Ludhiana, aiming to tackle child exploitation and trafficking.