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Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has called on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take immediate action in response to a series of alleged attacks on engineers and contractors working on infrastructure projects in the state. In a letter dated [date], Gadkari highlighted incidents reported in Jalandhar and Ludhiana, emphasizing the urgent need for corrective measures to restore order and ensure the safety of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) personnel.
The letter details concerns raised by concessionaires regarding the escalating violence, which has reportedly impeded progress on critical road projects. Gadkari’s correspondence underscores the necessity for the Punjab government to file First Information Reports (FIRs) and pursue strong legal action against those responsible for the attacks. The minister’s appeal stresses that such measures are crucial for reinstating confidence among NHAI officers and the concessionaire staff.
Gadkari also pointed out the broader implications of the unrest, noting that unresolved issues related to land acquisition and the deteriorating law and order situation have led some concessionaires to demand contract foreclosures and file claims against NHAI. The minister warned that if the situation remains unaddressed, there could be severe repercussions for ongoing infrastructure projects. Specifically, Gadkari indicated that NHAI might be compelled to cancel or terminate eight additional projects spanning 293 kilometers, with a combined cost of ₹14,288 crore.
The letter reflects a critical juncture for infrastructure development in Punjab, highlighting the interplay between security, project management, and economic investments. Gadkari’s appeal to the Punjab government underscores the urgent need for intervention to prevent further disruption and to safeguard the significant investments and development projects essential to the region’s progress.