MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora said during his meeting he requested Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to visit Ludhiana. “On my request, Gadkari promised to visit Ludhiana next month after the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament,” said Arora, adding that he is hopeful that the proposed visit of Gadkari will prove boon for further enhancing infrastructure in Ludhiana and other parts of the state.
During his meeting, Arora apprised the Union Minister about three requirements that need immediate attention. He requested the minister to look into parking slots along the elevated highway that is already on completion in Ludhiana. He apprised the minister that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already identified spots which can accommodate around 750 vehicles between the service road and main carriage.
He further apprised the minister that according to his knowledge estimates are being prepared for this project. Arora also requested Gadkari to consider construction of cycle tracks wherever possible in Ludhiana along national highways.
He apprised the minister that Ludhiana is the cycle capital of the world and cycles are environmentally friendly, good for people's health and affordable means of transport for the common people. Arora told Gadkari that all these issues are already in the knowledge of NHAI and have been discussed in detail with the Chairman NHAI as well.
He urged upon the Union Minister to direct the concerned officials and take necessary action at the earliest. On enquiring NHAI officers briefed the Minister that parking slots will be made, and estimate is already under preparation.
The estimated project cost would be Rs.7 Crores. Also, 21-Kms cycle track will be made in first stage with an estimated cost of Rs.21 Crores. Also, four bridges already approved on Sidhwan Canal are at tendering stage with a budget of Rs.19 Crores.
“The Union Minister assured me his full cooperation on all the issues discussed with him,” said Arora, adding that parking spots along with the elevated highway once set up will resolve a major problem of traffic jams. Besides, the proposal of cycle tracks after being implemented will also prove a boon for the city, he hoped.