Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recently met Road Transport and Highway Minister, Nitin Gadkari, to discuss the progress of the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur project. Accompanied by Lok Sabha MP from Jalandhar Sushil Kumar Rinku, the chief minister sought Gadkari’s intervention in ensuring the early completion of the project, which has been causing inconvenience to the people. He appraised Gadkari about the delays and emphasised the need for swift action.
During the meeting, Mann and Gadkari also reviewed the construction of the Delhi-Katra expressway. Both leaders agreed on the importance of expediting the work on this project, recognizing its potential to boost the state’s economy. They highlighted the significance of the expressway in facilitating pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and promoting economic activity in the region.
In addition to the project discussions, Mann informed Gadkari about the Punjab government’s plan to establish a Road Security Force aimed at addressing road accidents. The chief minister emphasised the need for proactive measures to ensure road safety and minimise accidents in the state.
Furthermore, Mann raised concerns about the toll plazas on national highways, citing instances of “high handedness” in charging excessive fees. He urged Gadkari to regulate the toll plaza charges to protect the public from unfair practices and ensure transparency in toll collection.
The meeting concluded with Gadkari assuring Mann that he would personally monitor the progress of the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur project and take necessary measures to expedite its completion. Both leaders expressed their commitment to advancing infrastructure development in Punjab and enhancing road connectivity for the benefit of the state’s residents.
