Chandigarh: The Chakki-Dhar-Dunera-Katori Bangla road up to Himachal Pradesh boundary having Length 39.36 km has been declared as NH-154A. Keeping in view the fact that this is an important stretch of road which connects Punjab with the Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, State government is keen to commence the work at the earliest, informed Vijay Inder Singla, PWD Minister Punjab.
Giving details, Singla said that the work of feasibility study and preparation of Detailed Project Report(DPR) for the improvement of geometrics and strengthening of existing road has been proposed in the annual plan for the year 2018-19. Accordingly, the tender for the same has been called and shall be received on 31st July 2018. Thereafter DPR will be submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORT&H), New Delhi for approval and the work will commence as soon as the consent is received. The tentative cost of the project is expected to be around Rs. 25.00 Crore.
Coupled to this, another important road project for Pathankot has been approved, said Singla and added that Dunera-Saliali-Lehrun- Gaal road will be upgraded at a cost of Rs.5.58 cr. He said that it is an important interstate link which connects Nurpur, Himachal Pardesh with Dunera village of Punjab. In fact, this road is a shortcut for tourists and localities to reach Dharamshala from Chamba, Dalhousie. This stretch is also very important pathway for the pilgrims visiting Dev Bhoomi, Himachal. Added to this is the fact that due to the construction of River over Bridge (ROB) on Ravi at Basoli, the stretch is oft used for movement of public as well as army to Jammu & Kashmir. But, due to heavy traffic and landslides during rainy season, this hilly terrain is in want of repair since last three years. So, the tender has been floated and work allotted for immediate up gradation of this important stretch of road which includes widening, strengthening, construction of retaining walls, increasing the width of culverts and repair of existing bridge.
Expressing satisfaction over the projects for district Pathankot, Singla said, “I would personally oversee the projects and leave no stone unturned towards their timely completion.”
