ENSURE ROAD SAFETY MEASURES ON LINK ROADS AHEAD OF WINTER SEASON, GURMEET SINGH KHUDIAN DIRECTS OFFICIALS

• Rs 132.65 crore is being spent to ensure Road safety measures at 13,832 link roads

• Agriculture Minister reviews ongoing development projects of Punjab Mandi Board

Chandigarh, August 17:

           In a bid to make the rural roads in the state more safe and secure for commuters, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khudian directed officials concerned to complete the road safety project before arrival of winter season. He was chairing a meeting of the Executive Engineers and District Mandi Officers of Punjab Mandi Board.

          Reviewing the ongoing projects along with Punjab Mandi Board Chairman Mr. Harchand Singh Barsat, the Agriculture Minister said that as many as 13,832 link roads have been identified to undertake road safety measures worth Rs 132.65 crores, while directing officials that this project must be executed before arrival of foggy season of this winter to curtail the road accidents.

           During the meeting, the Minister also reviewed the the status of construction of new sheds, auction platforms and other development works being carried out in grain markets of the state.

          The Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Barsat informed that various initiatives including allotment of vacant flats, installation of ATMs in mandis, and using vacant sheds for other purposes are being taken to increase the income of Mandi Board. Apart from this,  as many as 50,000 saplings are being planted in various mandis for a greener environment. Notably, Punjab Mandi Board had contributed Rs 47.58 lacs in CM Relief Fund for flood relief and rehabilitation works.

          Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Ms. Amrit Kaur Gill apprised the cabinet minister that all projects are being carried out at fast pace. Chief Engineer cum State Nodal Officer for Rural Link Roads Er. Jatinder Singh Bhangoo informed that Broken Centre Line (18 feet and 16 feet metalled width), Edge Line on both sides along curves, warning signs, caution sign boards and informatory boards are also being installed, besides, road studs (cat-eyes) on both sides of sharp curves and rumble strips along schools and hospitals falling on link roads are also being installed.

           Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has been making concerted efforts to make the roads safe. He also implored the Punjab Mandi Board staff to work diligently and all projects should be completed on time.

           Engineer-in-Chief Mr Gurdeep Singh and other officials of the Board were also present in the meeting.