Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria took swift action after NHAI officials were attacked during their review of ongoing projects in Punjab. The Governor convened an urgent meeting with senior officials from the National Highway Authority, Railway Authority, Airport Authority, and BSNL at Punjab Raj Bhavan to address the situation. Governor intervenes following attack on NHAI officials in Punjab
Earlier, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari sent a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, indicating that the recent attack on NHAI officials had prompted the ministry to suspend projects in Punjab. In response, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria held a meeting with central department officials to ensure that projects proceed smoothly and that law and order in the state remains fully intact.
During the meeting, Governor Kataria emphasized the need for prompt resolution of any issues impeding the progress of Central projects. He instructed officials to complete all projects without delay and to report any problems immediately, so they can be resolved swiftly with the cooperation of both Central and State Governments.
The Governor also announced that regular quarterly meetings will be held to review the progress of Central projects and urged officials to provide timely updates in writing. In response to the heavy traffic concerns in Chandigarh, he was informed that the construction of new National Highways connecting Panchkula to Shimla and Majri to Baddi would alleviate some of the issues.
Kataria discussed enhancing tourism connectivity, proposing a daily Jammu-Tawi train service, and reviewed the progress of new Amrit stations and railway lines. Additionally, he was briefed on a proposed road that would shorten the distance between Chandigarh and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport by 10 km.
BSNL officials also updated the Governor on their ongoing projects, and the meeting included key figures such as Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor K. Siva Prasad, DRM Railways Ambala MS Bhatia, DRM Railways Ferozepur Sanjay Sahu, CGM BSNL Punjab Ajay Kumar, Regional Officer NHAI Bipanesh Sharma, and CEO CHIAL Ajay Verma, among others.