The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, July 13
Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO today conducted a comprehensive review of PWD works at SAS Nagar, focusing on critical infrastructure development across the state.
During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister was apprised that bids have been invited for a significant portion of 378 groups under the Special Repair of Link Roads initiative.
Harbhajan Singh ETO directed officials to expedite the bidding process for remaining works to ensure timely completion and public convenience. The progress review revealed that works under NABARD are advancing steadily, with isolated tenders scheduled for allocation by July end.
Addressing the PMGSY scheme implementation, officials reported that bids for 286 km of link roads out of a total 581 km have been floated.
Notably, the department has achieved 14.29% cost savings in the allotment of upgradation works covering 325 km under PMGSY, demonstrating efficient resource utilization and fiscal responsibility.
The Cabinet Minister specifically addressed the road slippage issue on Sultanpur Lodhi to Kapurthala MDR, directing the Special Secretary PWD to submit a detailed report along with remedial measures. He also stressed the optimal utilization of CRIF funding for infrastructure development.
In light of the recent bridge collapse incident in Gujarat, the Public Works Minister instructed department officers to conduct thorough structural examinations of bridges across Punjab and ensure safety certification of all structures.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Special Secretary PWD Hargunjit Kaur, Engineer in Chief Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineers Anil Gupta, Ramtesh Bains, Rakesh Garg, Vijay Kumar Chopra and Superintending Engineers.
