The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is facing considerable hurdles with ongoing highway development projects in Punjab, according to an official report. Of the 42 total projects currently underway, 15 have been significantly delayed. These issues will be presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting this week to review major infrastructure development efforts in border states like Punjab.
Prolonged delays in land acquisition and compensation distribution have caused contracting companies to terminate or withdraw from several highway contracts in the state. This has led to increased costs for the NHAI. Issues obtaining possession of acquired land and declaring compensation payments, as well as sluggish disbursement of awarded funds, are being blamed for stalling progress.
The NHAI is developing 1,500 kilometers of highways across Punjab at a budget of Rs. 52,000 crore. However, acquisition troubles and relief disbursements have derailed 15 of these projects so far. Three projects worth Rs. 3,303 crore have already been terminated by the NHAI, while termination proceedings have started on four more contracts valued at Rs. 4,942 crore. An additional 31 projects measuring 1,150 km and costing Rs. 42,175 crore have faced delays.
During a meeting last month, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari voiced concern over the status of NHAI undertakings in the state and directed Central and Punjab officials to ensure resumption of stalled activities. With farmers’ agitations further compounding issues, some significant projects have already been withdrawn by the NHAI. The PM will focus on expediting the 11 packages of the multi-state Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway project that passes through Punjab.
The article sheds light on pressing roadblocks facing highway development in Punjab that require immediate addressing. Longstanding acquisition and compensation related delays have proved financially and physically detrimental to ongoing NHAI infrastructure works. Updating the Prime Minister on these challenges and securing coordination between Central and state agencies will be important to resuscitate delayed projects.
