Punjab pushes ₹1,253-cr urban infra projects

The Punjab Government has approved development projects including Phase-3 of the urban environment improvement program (UEIP) and the development of Ranjit Sagar Dam Lake as a tourist destination matching global standards. A decision to this effect was taken at an executive committee (EC) meeting of the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB), chaired by Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan. The approval of Phase-3 of the UEIP worth ₹500 crore aimed at improving the infrastructure across all the 167 urban local bodies. The committee also approved a special component program with funding of ₹250 crore by the PIDB for other urban development works. Ranjit Sagar Dam Lake in Pathankot would be developed as an international standard tourist destination on the PPP mode at ₹450 crore. The executive committee directed the PIDB to commence the bidding process of this project shortly. To enhance the road connectivity in the state, EC has decided to take up three road projects including Railway under Bridge (RUB) at Tanda railway crossing at Jalandhar and four–laning of Lamba Pind–Jandu Singha Road, costing ₹53.23 crore. Both the state-level bodies also approved a proposal to develop an old PWD building at Mall Road in Patiala as a heritage hotel and directed the PIDB to initiate the process on the project as quickly as possible.