Gadkari to scrap NH projects in Punjab over law and order concerns

12 Aug 2024 CW Team

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has warned that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) may have to ?cancel or terminate? eight major highway projects in Punjab, worth Rs 142.88 billion, if the law and order situation does not improve. Gadkari conveyed this ultimatum in a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The warning follows reports of violence and threats related to the ongoing Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway construction. Incidents have included assaults on engineers and contractors in Jalandhar, and threats of arson against project camps and staff in Ludhiana. Gadkari noted that, given these projects are greenfield corridors, canceling even a single package could render the entire stretch "useless." In his letter, Gadkari detailed safety concerns for NHAI officers and contractors, and issues with land acquisition. He included photographs of recent assaults as evidence. Gadkari referred to a review meeting he chaired on July 15, where he was assured that land acquisition and law and order issues would be addressed promptly. However, he noted that there has been no progress and conditions have deteriorated further. The minister reported that several concessionaires have requested to terminate their contracts and have filed claims against NHAI due to ongoing problems. NHAI has already cancelled three projects valued at Rs 32.63 billion due to land acquisition issues. (ET)

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