In a significant step towards upgrading urban road infrastructure, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government in Punjab has launched the “Next Generation Road Renovation Program” in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar.
The initiative focuses on the rapid upgradation of major roads and key junctions in the state’s largest urban centre to improve connectivity and ease of movement for commuters. The project will be executed on the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) pattern under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) to ensure durable roads along with a 10-year maintenance framework.
Addressing media persons at Punjab Bhawan, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the state government is continuously making focused efforts to strengthen road infrastructure across the state to ensure better connectivity and smooth transportation facilities for the people.
He noted that while major state highways and rural roads are already being upgraded on priority, the state government has now initiated comprehensive road renovation works in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), the largest urban centre of Punjab.
The Cabinet Minister informed that the government has undertaken large-scale development initiatives to transform SAS Nagar (Mohali) into a world-class city. In line with the city’s Master Plan, a dedicated “Next Generation Road Renovation Program” has been formulated to further strengthen and modernize the city’s core infrastructure.
He further stated that under this program, major roads and junctions falling under the jurisdiction of GMADA and the Municipal Corporation will be upgraded and improved on a war footing. The project includes the upgradation and strengthening of key arterial roads to ensure smooth traffic movement and to effectively address congestion-related issues. Damaged roads will also be repaired and resurfaced to provide safe and comfortable commuting facilities to residents and visitors.
Mundian said special emphasis would be laid on the beautification of roads and important junctions. The beautification works will include landscaping, installation of modern lighting systems, and enhancement of green cover, aimed at improving the overall urban aesthetics and environmental quality of the city.
He added that all development works under the project would be executed on the NHAI pattern through the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Under this model, the contractor awarded the project will be responsible not only for execution of the works but also for maintenance of the roads for a period of 10 years.
Explaining the financial mechanism, the Cabinet Minister said payments would be made as per the 40:60 formula. Forty per cent of the project cost will be paid by the government during the construction phase, while the remaining 60 percent will be borne by the contractor.