Chandigarh 27th October 2025:
Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora today held a comprehensive meeting with the Shri. Santosh Kumar Yadav Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), accompanied by the DGM (Technical) and other officials from NHAI, to review progress and resolve pending infrastructure issues across Punjab.
Minister Arora began by underlining the urgent need to develop the approximately three-kilometre approach area near Adampur Airport, pointing out that this stretch falls under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) jurisdiction and it must be taken up by NHAI immediately to ensure safe and efficient airport connectivity. The Ludhiana–Ropar highway project was also a major focus of discussion; the Minister noted significant delays in execution and stressed that the project be re-tendered and fast-tracked so that long-pending works can be completed without further slippage. Arora promised to help in getting soil filling for projects a per Punjab Govt Mining Policy.
On the NHLML parking project, Minister Arora highlighted bureaucratic delays that have held up the tender and construction; the NHAI Chairman responded by immediately directing concerned officials of NHLML to grant the necessary approvals so work can commence at the earliest. Expressing concern over the slow progress of the Ludhiana cycle track, the Minister urged stronger supervision and direct intervention by the Regional Office (RO) Punjab to ensure NHAI’s pilot project is completed on schedule for the benefit of commuters and cyclists.
The meeting also addressed recurring fund-release and portal issues affecting the Delhi–Katra highway, with Minister Arora emphasizing that technical problems on the central funds portal are stalling work and causing financial uncertainties; the Chairman instructed the RO Punjab to resolve all portal-related issues promptly and ensure uninterrupted fund flows.
A detailed review was held on the Jalandhar–Amritsar highway, where both officials discussed outstanding works regarding repairs and agreed on accelerated action plans to clear pending items and improve traffic flow and safety. With commercial operations set to commence at Halwara Airport shortly, Minister Arora stressed the importance of robust road connectivity to the airport to serve the transportation needs of the entire Malwa region; NHAI assured coordinated planning to prioritize approaches and access roads.
The Minister drew attention to chronic congestion around SPS Hospital and Sherpur, noting that incomplete works are causing daily traffic snarls and inconvenience to residents; the NHAI Chairman committed to expediting the remaining work to relieve congestion and restore normal traffic movement. Sidhwan bridges were discussed in detail, with both sides urging immediate completion of residual works to ensure structural safety and uninterrupted connectivity for local communities of Ludhiana.
Minister Arora also pressed for improved routine maintenance of NHAI highways across Punjab, including timely repair of surfaces and prompt restoration and upkeep of street lighting to enhance road safety during night hours. The NHAI Chairman gave categorical assurances that all issues raised by Minister Arora will be addressed on a priority basis, directed concerned regional officials to act without delay, and appreciated the Minister’s proactive engagement and commitment to the development and connectivity of Punjab.
The meeting concluded with an agreement for regular follow-ups and monitoring to ensure timely implementation of decisions and swift resolution of technical, administrative and funding bottlenecks.
