Infra project misses deadline in Patiala

Patiala, July 27

Started in August last year, the Municipal Corporation is yet to complete its project of installing new traffic lights and blinkers in the city. The project, worth Rs 2.24 crore, was to be completed by June 2022.

In response to an RTI application, the MC officials concerned have said its deadline has been extended to August-end.

The corporation had invited tenders for the project in September 2020. These were reissued in June 2021. The contractor was supposed to install advanced pedestrian lights, solar blinkers, etc, at various locations in the city. The time given for completing the work was extended to June 30.

The corporation said there were 58 locations in the city where the traffic signals were to be installed. These locations were outside DLF Colony on the Sirhind road, near Moti Mahal Chowk, underbridge of the local bus stand, Passey road, opposite the Excise and Taxation Office on the Bhupindra road among others. The blinkers and traffic signals have been installed at a number of locations.

Municipal Commissioner Aaditya Uppal said, “The project is going on. Its deadline has been extended from June-end to August-end. We have not increased the expenditure amount though.” He added that the project included operations and maintenance as well.