NHAI may cancel eight highway projects in Punjab if law and order issues and land disputes persist, warns Nitin Gadkari.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has issued a stark warning to Punjab, indicating that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) may terminate eight highway projects in the state, worth ₹14,288 crore, due to escalating law and order issues. In a letter addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday, Gadkari expressed deep concern over the safety of NHAI officers, contractors, and construction staff, citing recent incidents of violence and unresolved land acquisition problems.
The projects under threat include critical stretches of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, where workers have faced violent attacks. In Jalandhar, engineers and employees of contractors were reportedly beaten, while in Ludhiana, miscreants threatened to burn down a project camp along with the staff. Gadkari emphasised that these greenfield corridors are vital, and the cancellation of even one segment would render the entire stretch useless.
The minister’s letter followed a review meeting on July 15, where Punjab officials assured him that the pending issues related to land acquisition and security would be addressed promptly. However, Gadkari noted with disappointment that no progress has been made, and the situation has deteriorated further. He also attached photos of the assaults to underscore the severity of the situation.
Gadkari further mentioned that several concessionaires have already requested to foreclose contracts and raised claims against the NHAI due to the ongoing issues. The NHAI has previously terminated three projects worth ₹3,263 crore, citing the non-availability of land as the primary reason.
The ultimatum serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for improving the law and order situation in Punjab to ensure the completion of these essential infrastructure projects.
