Meeting convened to expedite Pathankot-Mandi 4-lane project

To expedite the construction of the Pathankot-Mandi four-lane highway’s 28-km stretch from Kandwal to Bherkhud (Package-1), a key meeting was held in the office of SDM, Nurpur, on Wednesday evening. The meeting was attended by Vikas Surjewala, Project Director, NHAI, Palampur; Tushar Singh, Manager (Technical), NHAI; Anil Singh, Project Director, IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd., Mumbai; representatives of local highway construction companies, and technocrats from Punjab State Transmission Corporation Ltd. (PSTCL).

Concerns were raised over the slow progress of the project, which has lingered for over two years, causing distress to commuters and local residents. Issues such as frequent road mishaps along the Kandwal-Jassur stretch and the poor condition of the existing National Highway (NH)-154 have added to public dissatisfaction.

Key topics discussed included the shifting of a high-tension 132 kV electricity cable obstructing the under-construction flyover bridge at Jassur. This issue has delayed progress on the bridge, and PSTCL engineers were directed to coordinate with the construction company to shift the cable within a specific timeframe. The deteriorating condition of the existing NH-154 at Jassur was also highlighted, with an emphasis on repairing and re-carpeting the pothole-ridden stretch alongside the flyover.

Vikas Surjewala said instructions had been given to repair the damaged NH sections and improve the pace of construction. He acknowledged that the highway construction company had enhanced its progress over the past four months following the monsoon season but emphasised the need for further acceleration to complete the project.

“The construction company has been instructed to expedite the work to ensure hassle-free travel for commuters and resolve the challenges faced by local residents,” Surjewala said.

The meeting reflected the urgency to address public grievances and improve coordination among stakeholders, aiming to complete the Kandwal-Bherkhud highway stretch as swiftly as possible.