Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has recently issued a stern warning to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Gadkari highlighted the alarming incidents of violence and intimidation faced by workers involved in the construction of major highway projects in Punjab. The Minister emphasized that if the current situation does not improve, eight significant highway projects valued at approximately Rs 14,288 crore will be cancelled.
The letter from Gadkari comes in response to reports of attacks on engineers and contractors working on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. Incidents of assault on project staff in Jalandhar and threats issued to workers in Ludhiana have raised serious concerns about the safety and security of those involved in the construction projects. Gadkari specifically mentioned an incident in Jalandhar where an engineer was brutally assaulted, and another in Ludhiana where miscreants threatened to burn down the project camp and harm the staff.
Expressing his disappointment with the lack of progress in addressing these issues, Gadkari urged the state government to take immediate corrective measures. He called for the filing of FIRs and strong action against the perpetrators to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The Minister also highlighted the delays in land acquisition for key projects and the increasing number of concessionaires seeking to terminate their contracts due to unresolved issues and the worsening law and order situation.
In response to Gadkari’s letter, Punjab Minister Aman Arora disputed the claims made by the Union Minister, stating that the law and order situation in Punjab is „absolutely fine.“ He challenged the central government to provide evidence to support their assertion that the situation in the state is not conducive for infrastructure development projects. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema also criticized Gadkari’s remarks, suggesting that the BJP’s stance may be influenced by political factors rather than genuine concerns for the state’s welfare.
The ongoing dispute between the Union Minister and the Punjab government underscores the challenges faced in infrastructure development projects when law and order issues persist. The safety of workers and the timely completion of projects are crucial for the overall progress and economic growth of the region. It is imperative for all stakeholders to work together to address the underlying issues and ensure the successful implementation of infrastructure projects in Punjab.
In conclusion, the letter from Nitin Gadkari to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann serves as a wake-up call to address the pressing issues affecting highway projects in the state. The need for a collaborative effort to improve the law and order situation and ensure the safety of workers cannot be overstated. It is essential for both the central and state governments to work towards resolving these challenges and facilitating the smooth execution of infrastructure projects for the benefit of the people of Punjab.