Ambala Welcome Gate: Construction quality questioned

The Welcome Gate at the entry point of Ambala Cantonment has started losing its sheen within three-and-a-half years of its inauguration, prompting sharp questions over the quality of materials used and the money spent on the project.

The structure was constructed by the Municipal Council Sadar Zone at a cost of Rs 2.54 crore. Begun in 2019 and completed in 2022, the cantilever-style gate stands about 50 feet high and is mounted on a single shaft.

However, the gate is now covered in dust, stained with tobacco marks and shows damage to the marble, grills and other components, signalling significant neglect.

Indian National Lok Dal leader Onkar Singh said, “The budget used in the construction of the gate was unjustified and poor-quality material was used. An amount of Rs 10.85 lakh was used on the Ashok Chakra installed in the gate, while Rs 1.81 lakh was spent on the structure of earth; similarly, the other installations were made at exorbitant prices and they are lying damaged.”

He added, “I have raised the matter multiple times and even submitted a complaint in the Vigilance Bureau demanding a fair vigilance inquiry into the matter but nothing happened. The marble, grills and other structures must at least be repaired so that they don’t present a poor look at the entry of Ambala Cantonment. I have decided to meet the SP Vigilance and submit a fresh complaint seeking inquiry in the construction of the gate.”

Local leader Chitra Sarwara said, “Ever since the gate was built, we have been raising the demand for a fair inquiry. A multi-storey building can be constructed with various facilities on such a high budget, and an expenditure of Rs 2.54 crore on the Welcome Gate raises many questions. Besides this, the design of the gate has nothing to do with the identity of Ambala Cantonment. Ambala is famous for scientific apparatus manufacturing and it should have been incorporated in the design.”

She added, “The gate is in poor condition within three years, and to protect the marble from getting damaged, grills were installed around it — but now both are lying damaged and no attention is being paid to their maintenance. A huge budget has been spent on the decoration and construction of various chowks and they also face a similar situation. The government should pay some attention and focus on projects related to public welfare instead of spending huge budgets on such gates.”