In a significant step to upgrade urban road infrastructure, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has launched the “Next Generation Road Renovation Program” in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali). The initiative focuses on rapid upgradation of major roads and key junctions in the state’s largest urban centre to improve connectivity and ease of movement for commuters.
The project will be executed on the NHAI pattern under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) to ensure durable roads along with a 10-year maintenance framework. Addressing the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan, Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said, "Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is continuously making focused efforts to strengthen road infrastructure across the state to ensure better connectivity and smooth transportation facilities for the people.
While major state highways and rural roads are already being upgraded on priority, the state government has now initiated comprehensive road renovation works in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), the largest urban centre of Punjab. The Cabinet Minister informed that the government has undertaken large-scale development initiatives to transform SAS Nagar (Mohali) into a world-class city.
In line with the city’s Master Plan, a dedicated “Next Generation Road Renovation Program” has been formulated to further strengthen and modernize the city’s core infrastructure. The Housing and Urban Development Minister informed that under this program, major roads and junctions falling under the jurisdiction of GMADA and the Municipal Corporation will be upgraded and improved on a war footing.
The project includes upgradation and strengthening of key arterial roads to ensure smooth traffic movement and to effectively address congestion-related issues. Damaged roads will also be repaired and resurfaced to provide safe and comfortable commuting facilities to residents and visitors.
S. Hardeep Singh Mundian further stated that special emphasis will be laid on the beautification of roads and important junctions. The beautification works will include landscaping, installation of modern lighting systems and enhancement of green cover, aimed at improving the overall urban aesthetics and environmental quality of the city.
He added that all development works under the project will be executed on the pattern of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) through the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). Under this model, the contractor awarded the project will be responsible not only for execution of the works but also for maintenance of the roads for a period of 10 years.
Explaining the financial mechanism, the Cabinet Minister said that payments will be made as per the 40:60 formula. Forty percent of the project cost will be paid by the government during the construction phase, while the remaining 60 percent will be incurred by the contractor and the government will release the remaining through annuity payments over a period of 10 years after completion of the project to the contractor.
This mechanism will ensure greater accountability of the contractor and long-term maintenance of high-quality road infrastructure. S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the road renovation work in Mohali city will commence in the month of February and is scheduled to be completed by October this year.
He said the project has been planned with a clear timeline to ensure minimal inconvenience to the public while improving urban mobility. He informed that road strengthening and beautification works worth nearly Rs.700 crore will be undertaken and around 80 kilometres of roads across Mohali city will be renovated under this initiative.
S. Mundian said that strict directions have been issued to the concerned departments and senior officers to ensure that all works are completed within the stipulated timelines and that quality standards are strictly adhered to, without any compromise. The Housing and Urban Development Minister said that the proposed measures are aimed at bringing significant improvements for the city and its residents.
These initiatives are expected to enhance road safety while ensuring smooth and faster movement of traffic. Improved connectivity and upgraded urban infrastructure will provide a boost to economic activities in the area. The minister added these concrete steps will definitely contribute to improving the city’s appearance and quality of life for its citizens.
Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Government, the Cabinet Minister said that the state government is fully dedicated to providing modern infrastructure and a clean, well-planned urban environment to the people and such citizen-centric development initiatives will continue in the future. Prominent amongst others who were present included Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Mr. Vikas Garg and others.