Transport Nagar project hits roadblock

Tribune News Service

Solan, November 17

The much-awaited Transport Nagar project in Solan has hit a roadblock, with the issue of funding creating problems between stakeholders and the state government.

The foundation stone of the project was laid by the Chief Minister in April this year. It was supposed to house 135 showrooms and 140 workshops on 15,417 sq m area at Kather village. Initially, the Department of Urban Development was supposed to fund it and Rs 21.22 crore had been pegged as its cost. A detailed project report (DPR) had also been prepared by roping in a private architect, who had raised a bill of Rs 31 lakh. The project was specially carved out for vehicle showrooms and automobile shops in Chambaghat, which were demolished as the land was acquired for the four-laning the National Highway-22.

The Department of Urban Development, however, refused to fund the project later, thus creating a piquant situation for the district administration. Department officials also suggested that the project could be built on a built-operate-and-transfer basis, but in the absence of any funds, the project had failed to take off.

The project was conceived in 2010. It was decided to built pre-fabricated structures early this year following which its foundation stone was laid.

Even the funds incurred for preparing the DPR are yet to be paid. MC officials said though they were keen to rehabilitate vendors, the project could make no headway for want of funds.